Study Permits
4 min read
IRCC Releases 2026 International Student Cap & Provincial Allocations
IRCC has announced the 2026 provincial and territorial allocations under Canada's international student cap, continuing efforts to reduce the temporary resident population and stabilize the International Student Program.
Key Highlights
- Canada will issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026 (155,000 new students + 253,000 extensions).
- This target is 7% lower than 2025 and 16% lower than 2024.
- Canada aims to reduce the temporary resident population to below 5% by 2027.
Major Policy Change for 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, Master's and PhD students at public DLIs no longer need a PAL/TAL.
Other exempt groups include:
- K–12 students
- Certain Government of Canada priority/vulnerable groups
- Study permit extensions at the same DLI and same level
2026 Study Permit Breakdown
- Master's/PhD (exempt): 49,000
- K–12 students (exempt): 115,000
- Other exempt groups: 64,000
- PAL/TAL-required applicants: 180,000
Provincial PAL/TAL Targets (2026)
The 180,000 PAL/TAL-required permits are allocated based on provincial population:
| Province/Territory | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 70,074 |
| Quebec | 39,474 |
| British Columbia | 24,786 |
| Alberta | 21,582 |
| Others (MB, SK, Atlantic, Territories) | 24,084 |
Application Spaces Under the Cap: 309,670
This is the maximum number of PAL/TAL applications IRCC will accept for processing in 2026.
- Ontario: 104,780 (largest share)
- Quebec: 93,069 (second largest)
Takeaway
The 2026 cap continues strict intake controls, but graduate-level students benefit from PAL/TAL exemptions, making Canada an attractive destination for master's and doctoral candidates.