Canada Reduces Study Permit Allocations For 2026, Sets Provincial Quotas And Exceptions

Canada is set to lower the number of study permits issued in 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to manage the country’s temporary resident population. This initiative introduces provincial and territorial quotas to better regulate applications.

The international student cap, first implemented in 2024, limits the number of study permit applications Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can approve each year. According to IRCC, this measure has helped decrease the total number of study permit holders from over 1 million in January 2024 to roughly 725,000 by September 2025. The agency notes that further reductions are necessary to achieve the government’s goal of keeping temporary residents below 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027.

2026 Study Permit Targets

For 2026, IRCC plans to issue up to 408,000 study permits, broken down as follows:

155,000 permits for new international students
253,000 extensions for current or returning students

This represents a 7% decrease from the 2025 target of 437,000 and a 16% reduction compared to the 2024 target of 485,000. IRCC emphasized that it will continue attracting top talent through the International Student Program to support Canada’s economic and social objectives.

Exemptions for 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, Master’s and doctoral students enrolled at public designated learning institutions (DLIs) will no longer need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). This exemption recognizes the contributions of graduate students to innovation and economic growth.

The following groups will also be exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement:

Primary and secondary school students
Certain priority and vulnerable groups identified by the Government of Canada
Current study permit holders applying for an extension at the same school and level of study

Expected Study Permit Distribution in 2026

Master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs (PAL/TAL-exempt): 49,000
Primary and secondary school students (PAL/TAL-exempt): 115,000
Other PAL/TAL-exempt applicants: 64,000
PAL/TAL-required applicants: 180,000

Provincial and Territorial Breakdown of PAL/TAL Permits

The 180,000 permits requiring PAL/TAL will be allocated by province and territory based on population:

Ontario: 70,074
Quebec: 39,474
British Columbia: 24,786
Alberta: 21,582
Manitoba: 6,534
New Brunswick: 3,726
Nova Scotia: 4,680
Newfoundland and Labrador: 2,358
Prince Edward Island: 774
Northwest Territories: 198
Yukon: 198
Nunavut: 180

Application Spaces for PAL/TAL Applicants

IRCC has also assigned the number of application spaces per province, drawing on approval rates from 2024 and 2025. A total of 309,670 applications will be accepted for processing in 2026. Key allocations include:

Ontario: 104,780
Quebec: 93,069
British Columbia: 32,596
Alberta: 32,271
Saskatchewan: 11,349
Manitoba: 11,196
Nova Scotia: 8,480
New Brunswick: 8,004
Newfoundland and Labrador: 5,507
Prince Edward Island: 1,376
Yukon: 257
Northwest Territories: 785
Nunavut: 0

Each province or territory will manage the distribution of its allocated spaces among its designated learning institutions.

Implications for Students

Students applying for study permits in 2026 should anticipate fewer slots and increased competition, particularly in high-demand provinces. However, graduate students, K–12 students, and returning students at the same institution will benefit from exemptions, making access easier for these groups.

Careful planning is essential for prospective students, including selecting programs and provinces strategically to improve their chances of acceptance.