IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, including 155,000 for newly arriving students. Since 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students enrolled at a public designated learning institution no longer need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).
Opens the government website in a new tab. You will be leaving the MATES website.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
2026 provincial and territorial allocations under the international student cap (opens in a new tab, external government website)Published · Checked by MATES
Before you act on this
Visa and immigration requirements can change. Review the linked official government source and confirm the latest requirements with MATES before making an application decision.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. MATES cannot influence a government decision.
A temporary IRCC measure lets eligible work permit holders already in Canada study for up to six months, or until their permit ends if sooner, without applying for a study permit. It is in effect until 31 December 2027. Full-time studies still require a study permit.
For study permit applications made on or after 1 September 2026 to study outside Quebec, a single applicant must show CAD 23,448 for the first year's living expenses, up from CAD 22,895. Tuition and travel are additional, and Quebec sets its own amounts.
Since 1 April 2026, eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate work permit for work placements required by their programme, such as co-op placements and internships. IRCC is withdrawing eligible pending co-op work permit applications.
Speak with a MATES counsellor and explore destinations, universities and programmes suited to your profile.