published on 16 December 2025 @ 4:09 pm · COMMENT

Reduced 2026 International Student Cap and Study Permit Targets

Canada’s international student cap, introduced in 2024 to manage the growth of the temporary resident population, continues to shape study permit intake. Since implementation, the number of study permit holders has declined from over 1 million in January 2024 to approximately 725,000 by September 2025. Despite this reduction, further decreases are planned to help bring the temporary population below 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.

For 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits, a target lower than both 2024 and 2025 levels. This total includes 155,000 permits for new international student arrivals and 253,000 extensions for current students. While IRCC aims to reduce overall temporary numbers, the department continues to emphasize the importance of the International Student Program in attracting talent aligned with Canada’s economic and social priorities.

Beginning January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students enrolled at public designated learning institutions (DLIs) will be exempt from provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) requirements, reflecting their recognized contributions to research, innovation and long-term economic growth. Several other groups also remain exempt, including kindergarten, primary and secondary school students, certain federal priority cohorts and existing study permit holders seeking extensions at the same institution and level of study.

IRCC has indicated that ongoing collaboration with provincial and territorial partners will remain central to ensuring the International Student Program continues to support national economic and social objectives while maintaining system sustainability.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE