Canada's cap on international student permits is now in its third year. For 2026, the rules shifted in an important way: graduate students at public institutions have been taken out of the cap, while undergraduate, college and most other applicants still need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).
The 2026 cap in context
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets 155,000 new international student arrivals in 2026 and 150,000 in each of 2027 and 2028. Provinces and territories receive an allocation and issue PALs/TALs to their institutions, which in turn issue them to admitted students.
The master's and PhD exemption
Starting January 1, 2026, students admitted to a degree-granting master's or doctoral program at a public designated learning institution (DLI) do not need a PAL/TAL and are not counted toward the national cap. Students at private institutions don't benefit from this exemption.
Who still needs a PAL/TAL
Most other new study permit applicants still need one, including students in undergraduate degrees, college diplomas and certificates. IRCC lists exemptions, including:
- Preschool, primary and secondary school students (up to grade 12)
- Master's and doctoral students at public DLIs (from January 1, 2026)
- Exchange students who pay no tuition to the Canadian DLI, and Global Affairs Canada scholarship holders
- Students already in Canada extending at the same institution and level
- Certain people already in Canada, such as protected persons and some applicants for permanent residence
If you claim an exemption, you must include proof with your application. Applicants to Quebec institutions generally need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead.
PAL dates matter
IRCC says a 2026 PAL/TAL is valid until December 31, 2026 (unless it shows an earlier expiry), and you can't apply with a letter issued in a previous cap year. If your start date moves to 2027, plan for a new letter.
Bringing your family
Since January 21, 2025, open work permits for spouses of students are limited. In general, spouses of students in master's programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, and certain professional programs remain eligible; spouses of most college and undergraduate students are not. Dependent children are no longer eligible for open work permits under that measure. Check IRCC's current list of eligible programs before you plan around a spousal permit — our work permit guide explains the other options.
Getting the application right
With fewer permits available, refusals for weak financial evidence or an unclear study plan cost more than ever — a refused application can mean losing a seat. Make sure your funds are well documented, your program choice makes sense for your background, and every document is consistent.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For help with a new permit, an extension or a family application, see our study permit services.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) in 2026?
Most new study permit applicants do. Exemptions include master's and doctoral students at public institutions (from January 1, 2026), primary and secondary students, and certain applicants already in Canada.
Are graduate students exempt from the study permit cap?
Yes. From January 1, 2026, students admitted to master's or doctoral programs at public designated learning institutions are not counted toward the cap and don't need a PAL/TAL.
Can my spouse work while I study in Canada?
Only in certain cases. Since January 21, 2025, spousal open work permits are generally limited to spouses of students in master's programs of 16 months or more, doctoral programs, and certain professional programs.
Official sources
Written by Meena Sharma, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant licensed by the CICC and authorized to represent clients before the Immigration and Refugee Board. This article is general information, not legal advice.