Canada has a system to control how many international students can get study permits each year. This is part of the country’s immigration policy to manage population growth and ensure resources (housing, services, schools) are sustainable.
1-Total Study Permits
In 2026, Canada plans to issue up to 408,000 study permits:
- 155,000 for new international students
- 253,000 for students already in Canada (extensions)
This is lower than previous years, showing a more restrictive immigration approach.
2-Who Has Priority (Exempt from Restrictions)
Canada wants to attract highly skilled, graduate-level talent, so the following groups do not need special provincial letters (PAL/TAL) and are exempt from some caps:
- Master’s & PhD students at public universities
- Primary & secondary school students (KG–12)
- Certain government priority groups
- Students extending permits at the same school & level
➡This is a clear immigration policy signal: Canada is prioritizing graduate-level and high-impact students.
3-Who Is Affected by the Cap
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) students
- College / diploma / pathway students
These students must submit PAL/TAL letters and fall under the 180,000-permit cap, making immigration for them more competitive and restricted.
4-Provincial Distribution
Canada divides the capped permits among provinces and territories, based on population and historical approval rates.
Province / Territory | Study Permit Target (PAL/TAL Required) | Allocations for All PAL/TAL Applications* |
Alberta | 21,582 | 32,271 |
British Columbia | 24,786 | 32,596 |
Manitoba | 6,534 | 11,196 |
New Brunswick | 3,726 | 8,004 |
Newfoundland & Labrador | 2,358 | 5,507 |
Northwest Territories | 198 | 785 |
Nova Scotia | 4,680 | 8,480 |
Nunavut | 180 | 0 |
Ontario | 70,074 | 104,780 |
Prince Edward Island | 774 | 1,376 |
Quebec | 39,474 | 93,069 |
Saskatchewan | 5,436 | 11,349 |
Yukon | 198 | 257 |
Totals:
- PAL/TAL Required Students: 180,000
- Application Spaces Available: 309,670
The second column (“Allocations for All PAL/TAL Applications”) reflects total application slots IRCC will accept to reach the issuance targets, taking into account refusals.
5-Immigration Significance
- Study permits are part of Canada’s immigration system.
- By setting caps and exemptions, Canada controls temporary migration.
- Graduate students are favored, reflecting Canada’s policy to attract skilled talent.
- Undergraduate & college students face higher immigration barriers.
📌In Short
Canada’s 2026 student immigration policy:
“We are reducing the overall number of international students to manage population growth, but Master’s and PhD students remain a priority for immigration because they bring skills and talent to Canada.”
📞 Contact Us
Planning to study in Canada in 2026? Get expert guidance
📩Contact WAC Immigrations today
📞Visit Visa Inquiries: 0310 7201666
📞Immigration Support: 0326 7779666
🌐Website:www.wacimmigrations.com
