Canada’s study permit cap for 2026 is in effect now, which will allow 408,000 international students. The reason behind it is that Canada introduced an international student cap in 2024 to control the number of study permit applications processed each year by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The goal is simple: reduce pressure on housing, services, and infrastructure while keeping the immigration system sustainable.
Since the cap was introduced, the number of study permit holders has dropped from over 1 million in January 2024 to about 725,000 by September 2025. That’s a major shift — but the government says more reductions are needed to bring Canada’s temporary population below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027.
Study Permit Targets: 2024 vs 2025 vs 2026
Canada is gradually lowering its study permit targets each year.
| Year | Study Permit Target | Change |
| 2024 | 485,000 | — |
| 2025 | 437,000 | ↓ 10% |
| 2026 | 408,000 | ↓ 7% from 2025↓ 16% from 2024 |
In 2026, IRCC expects to issue 408,000 study permits, divided into:
- 155,000 new international students
- 253,000 extensions for current or returning students
This reduction aligns with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan and Canada’s broader population strategy.
Who Is Exempt from the PAL/TAL Requirement in 2026?
A major update for 2026 involves Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letters (PAL/TAL). Starting January 1, 2026, some students will no longer need to submit a PAL/TAL with their study permit application.
Newly Exempt Group
Master’s and doctoral students enrolled at public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). This change recognizes the value of graduate-level students in driving innovation, research, and economic growth.
Other Exempt Groups
The following students also do not require a PAL/TAL:
- Primary and secondary school students (Kindergarten to Grade 12)
- Certain Government of Canada priority groups and vulnerable cohorts
- Current study permit holders extending their permit at the same DLI and same level of study
In short, higher-level academic talent and school-aged students are prioritized and face fewer administrative barriers.
2026 Study Permit Breakdown by Student Category
Here’s how the 408,000 total permits are distributed:
| Student Category | 2026 Target |
| Master’s & Doctoral (public DLIs, exempt) | 49,000 |
| Primary & Secondary Students (exempt) | 115,000 |
| Other PAL/TAL-Exempt Applicants | 64,000 |
| PAL/TAL-Required Applicants | 180,000 |
| Total | 408,000 |
This overall means that only 180,000 permits fall under the capped PAL/TAL-required category.
Provincial Distribution
The 180,000 PAL/TAL-required permits are distributed among provinces and territories based on population size.
2026 Study Permit Targets by Province (PAL/TAL-Required)
| Province/Territory | Target |
| Ontario | 70,074 |
| Quebec | 39,474 |
| British Columbia | 24,786 |
| Alberta | 21,582 |
| Manitoba | 6,534 |
| Saskatchewan | 5,436 |
| Nova Scotia | 4,680 |
| New Brunswick | 3,726 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2,358 |
| Prince Edward Island | 774 |
| Northwest Territories | 198 |
| Yukon | 198 |
| Nunavut | 180 |
| Total | 180,000 |
Larger provinces like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta receive the highest allocations due to population size.
Application Allocation vs. Permit Target
- Study permit targets (approved permits)
- Application allocations (maximum applications accepted for processing)
Because not all applications are approved, provinces are given a higher number of application spaces based on past approval rates (2024–2025 averages).
2026 Application Allocations (PAL/TAL-Required)
| Province/Territory | Application Allocation |
| Ontario | 104,780 |
| Quebec | 93,069 |
| British Columbia | 32,596 |
| Alberta | 32,271 |
| Manitoba | 11,196 |
| Saskatchewan | 11,349 |
| Nova Scotia | 8,480 |
| New Brunswick | 8,004 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 5,507 |
| Prince Edward Island | 1,376 |
| Northwest Territories | 785 |
| Yukon | 257 |
| Nunavut | 0 |
| Total | 309,670 |
This means 309,670 applications will be accepted under the cap in 2026 for PAL/TAL-required students — not all will be approved. Each province is responsible for distributing these spaces to its Designated Learning Institutions.
Balancing Control and Talent Attraction
Canada’s strategy is a balancing act:
On One Side:
- Reduce temporary population growth
- Ease pressure on housing and public services
- Restore sustainability to the immigration system
On the Other:
- Attract high-skilled global talent
- Support economic growth
- Strengthen research and innovation
By exempting graduate-level students and maintaining structured provincial caps, Canada aims to control numbers without discouraging top academic talent.
What This Means for International Students
If you’re planning to study in Canada in 2026:
- Graduate students at public DLIs benefit from fewer administrative hurdles.
- Undergraduate and other applicants will face stricter caps.
- Applying early will be critical, especially in high-demand provinces.
- Provincial allocations matter more than ever.