published on 25 November 2025 @ 11:08 am · COMMENT

Update on Graduate Student Work Permits

Canada has introduced two significant policy updates to enhance its appeal to prospective graduate students and streamline the study permit process. Effective immediately, PhD applicants applying from outside Canada—and their accompanying family members—are eligible for expedited study permit processing within approximately two weeks, provided they are enrolled in a recognized doctoral program and submit an online application. Beginning January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students attending public Designated Learning Institutions will also be exempt from both the national study permit cap and the requirement to obtain a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter, simplifying and accelerating their application process. These measures underscore Canada’s commitment to attracting exceptional international students and strengthening its research and innovation landscape.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE