Master’s and doctoral level students enrolled at a public designated learning institution and certain other students, will no longer be required to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) with their study permit application. This new rule will be effective from January 2026.
Foreign students planning to study, work, and settle in Canada should be aware of the international student cap limits established by the Canadian government. The international student cap limits the number of study permit applications that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts into processing yearly.
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International Student Caps
Canada aims to reduce the temporary population to below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027. Next year, IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits, including 155,000 to newly arriving international students, as outlined in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, and 253,000 extensions for current and returning students. This number is 7% lower than the 2025 issuance target of 437,000 and 16% lower than the 2024 issuance target of 485,000.
While Canada continues to work towards reducing the overall temporary population, it also remains focused on attracting top talent through the International Student Program to meet Canada’s broader economic and social goals.
In 2026, up to 180,000 study permits are expected to be issued to applicants who require a PAL/TAL. A total of 309,670 study permit application spaces will be available under the cap for 2026.
Exemptions in 2026
As of January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral level students enrolled at a public designated learning institution (DLI) will not need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) with their study permit application.
The following groups are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement in 2026:
- Master’s and doctoral degree students enrolled at public DLIs New
- Primary and secondary (kindergarten to grade 12) students
- Certain Government of Canada priority groups and vulnerable cohorts
- Existing study permit holders applying for an extension at the same DLI and at the same level of study.