LATEST UPDATE ON CANADA’S 2026 STUDY PERMIT CAP

IRCC has released the study permit allocation for 2026. No surprise: Canada is tightening again, this time with an additional 7 percent reduction compared with 2025. The goal is to bring the temporary resident population below 5 percent by 2027. Anyone still assuming Canada is “wide open” needs a reality check.

A rare bright spot:
Starting January 1, 2026, Master’s and PhD students at public institutions will be exempt from PAL and TAL (Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter). Canada views this group as essential for innovation and economic growth. If you can qualify directly for graduate studies, the door is significantly wider.

Groups exempt from PAL/TAL in 2026:
• Master’s and PhD students at public DLIs
• Students from kindergarten to grade 12
• Certain government priority groups
• Applicants renewing a study permit at the same level and same school

Key numbers for 2026:
• Projected total study permits issued: 408,000
• Permits requiring PAL/TAL: 180,000
• Maximum applications IRCC will accept for processing (due to refusal rates): 309,670

Notable provincial allocations:
• Ontario: 104,780
• Quebec: 93,069
• British Columbia: 32,596
• Alberta: 32,271

Important note: Each province will divide these numbers among individual schools. Whether a school accepts you depends on its internal quota and policy.

Canada’s direction is clear. The country wants tighter control of temporary residents and prioritizes quality over volume. If you plan to apply in 2026 for a program that requires PAL, you cannot submit a weak or generic file. Competition will be tougher and the bar for approval higher.

💼 SICON’s strategic recommendations:

• Students capable of entering a Master’s program: This is the best option right now.
  Reason: No PAL required, no provincial cap restrictions, and higher visa success probability. If you qualify, this route is far more stable.
• College or undergraduate applicants who require PAL:
  You must secure a PAL. The challenge is simple: PAL supply is low and demand is high.
  – Harder than previous years
  – If a school runs out of PAL, you cannot apply
  – Your file must be strong across finances, study plan, and program relevance
  If your profile is not ready, consider alternatives: change provinces, upgrade to Master’s, or time your application carefully.
• Students already in Canada:
  This is the least restricted group. Renewals at the same school and level do not require PAL.
  You still need to show adequate academic progress, financial capacity, and a clear study purpose.
• Parents sending children for K–12:
  Fully PAL-exempt. Not affected by provincial caps.
  However, the national visa volume will still decline in 2026, so early preparation and a clean file are essential.

If you want an accurate assessment of your case and do not want to miss your quota window, SICON offers one-on-one strategic consultations and will help you optimize costs when preparing your application. Timing and the right study pathway are the only reliable ways forward during Canada’s broad immigration tightening.

Feel free to message SICON for a personalized evaluation.