Dear future neighbour,
Good news for future international graduate students!
Starting January 1, 2026, master’s and PhD students at public universities in Canada will be exempt from the study-permit cap. This means if you’re planning to study at a public university, you won’t be limited by the federal enrolment quota that affects most undergraduate and college programs.
What does this mean for you?
Right now, Canada limits the number of study permits issued each year to manage housing and services. Many students also need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) to show that their school has space within that cap.
From January 2026, graduate students at public universities will not need to worry about the cap or the attestation letter. You can apply for your study permit as soon as you have your acceptance letter.
Faster processing for PhD students
If you’re applying for a PhD, your study-permit application will be processed faster, with a target turnaround of about 14 days. This helps doctoral students start their programs on time and reduces the stress of waiting for a visa.
Who qualifies
You qualify if:
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You are enrolling in a master’s or PhD program starting January 1, 2026, or later.
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Your program is at a public Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Students in private colleges, undergraduate programs, or short-term diplomas will still need to meet the cap and attestation requirements.
Why Canada is making this change
Canada wants to attract and keep highly skilled international students who contribute to research and innovation. Removing the cap for graduate programs makes it easier for talented students to study in Canada and strengthens the country’s global position in higher education.
How we can help
This new exemption makes studying in Canada easier, but the application process can still be tricky. We help students apply to Canadian universities and guide them through their study-permit applications, so you can focus on preparing for your studies while we handle the paperwork.
Quick FAQ
Q: When does the exemption start?
A: Reported to take effect January 1, 2026.
Q: Do master’s and PhD students still need a PAL/TAL?
A: For public DLIs, reported exemption removes the PAL/TAL requirement for master’s and doctoral applicants. Private DLIs remain subject to cap/attestation rules.
Q: Will PhD applicants get faster processing?
A: Reports indicate IRCC will prioritise doctoral study-permit applications with a target processing time of about 14 days for eligible applicants from outside Canada.
Q: Should I submit my application immediately?
A: If you have an offer from an eligible public university program commencing in/after January 2026, start preparing your study-permit application early and coordinate with your DLI’s international office. Confirm the exact documents the DLI recommends you submit.
Schedule a 30-minute / 60- minute consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com