The provincial and territorial allocations for study permits under the 2026 international student cap have been released by IRCC. As per the update 408,000 study permits are expected to be issued in 2026. This includes 155,000 permits for new international students and 253,000 permits for returning students and study permit extensions. When compared to the 2025 target, the current figure is 7% lower.
For applicants who require a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), 180,000 study permits are expected to be issued of the total study permits. On the basis of the population, the permits have been allocated among the provinces and territories, and Ontario has received the largest allocation of 70,074 permits. IRCC will accept up to 309,670 study permit applications from PAL/TAL-required applicants to account for anticipated refusals.
Effective from January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students enrolled at public designated learning institutions (DLIs) are no longer required to obtain a PAL or TAL when applying for a study permit.
The changes are to manage the temporary resident levels and to maintain the high quality of Canada's international education system and immigration objectives.
Read to know: Saskatchewan Uses More Than Half of 2026 Provincial Immigration Quota
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