Canada has updated its 2026 student permit limits, PGWP rules, and financial requirements. Learn about the key changes for international students

The Government of Canada has released an updated allocation of places for applying for student permits for 2026. This is part of a broader strategy to reduce the share of the temporary population to less than 5% by the end of 2027 and stabilize the immigration system.

How many permits does Canada plan to issue and what is the distribution by province? We will tell you in this article.

Top majors for study in Canada in 2026 in this article.

Need professional help in educational or immigration matters? Our lawyers will help you choose a study program, prepare all documents and safely go all the way from application to relocation. Entrust the process to experts and avoid unnecessary risks.

How many study permits does Canada plan to issue in 2026?

The limit on the number of applications introduced in 2024 has become a key tool in reducing the growth rate of temporary migration. In two years, the number of study permit holders has decreased from over 1 million to about 725,000.

For 2026, the Department of Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to issue up to 408,000 student permits, of which:

- 155,000 are for new international students;

- 253,000 are for renewals.

This is 7% less than in 2025 and 16% less than in 2024.

Distribution of study permits in Canada by student category

National distribution of study permits (by all categories): 408,000 visas

- Masters and PhD (public DLI) - 49,000;

- K–12 students - 115,000;

- Others exempt from PAL/TAL – 64,000;

- Applicants requiring PAL/TAL – 180,000.

How will permits be distributed for those requiring PAL/TAL?

A total of 180,000 permits in this category are planned to be issued. The distribution among provinces and territories is made in proportion to their population. Provincial targets for 2026:

- Ontario – 70,074

- Quebec – 39,474

- British Columbia – 24,786

- Alberta – 21,582

- Nova Scotia – 4,680

- Manitoba – 6,534

- Saskatchewan – 5,436

- New Brunswick – 3,726

- Newfoundland and Labrador – 2,358

- Prince Edward Island – 774

- Northwest Territories – 198

- Yukon – 198

- Nunavut – 180

However, not all students who apply for a permit ultimately study in Canada for a number of reasons. For example, international students who apply may not be accepted, or those who are accepted may choose to study in another country.

The gap between the application limit and the actual number of international study permits issued is quite significant. In 2024, the number of applications was capped at 485,000, but only 293,220 new study permits were issued that year, so in order to issue the planned number of permits, a higher number of applications must be accepted.

Based on the average study permit approval rate in each jurisdiction from 2024 and 2025, the following funds have been allocated:

- Alberta – 32,271.

- British Columbia – 32,596.

- Manitoba – 11,196.

- New Brunswick – 8,004.

- Newfoundland and Labrador – 5,507.

- Northwest Territories – 785.

- Nova Scotia – 8,480.

- Ontario – 104,780.

- Prince Edward Island – 1,376.

- Quebec – 93,069.

- Saskatchewan – 11,349.

- Yukon – 257

Total: 309,670.

What other new measures has Canada introduced for international students?

Update to the Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) Program

The PGWP is a program that allows international students to work in Canada after completing their studies. According to the government, access to the Canadian labor market and the chance to obtain permanent residence through experience have become one of the main drivers of the growth of the number of students in the country, which is why IRCC has made a number of changes to the program:

- Students in programs operating under the licensing model of educational programs are no longer eligible for the PGWP.

These are situations where a private college teaches students in a program licensed by a public educational institution. In recent years, such programs have expanded significantly, but have weaker oversight and have actually been used as a way to circumvent the requirements of the PGWP.

- Graduates of master's programs can now automatically receive a three-year work permit.

Previously, the duration of the permit depended on the duration of the program itself, and not all master's degrees could qualify for the maximum term.

- The Open Work Permit for Spouses is now limited.

It is now only available to partners of Master’s and Doctoral students.

Spouses of Bachelor’s or Diploma students are no longer eligible.

Increased financial requirements

IRCC has also revised the cost of living requirement for students to align it with the federal Low Income Cut-off (LICO). This is to ensure that applicants can realistically support themselves during their studies without relying on Canadian earnings.

Effective September 1, 2025, international students must demonstrate at least CAD$22,895 per year to cover their living expenses.

In addition, they must have sufficient funds to cover their tuition and travel to and from Canada.

If the student is planning to come with their family, they must show additional funds for each family member.

New rules for Masters and PhDs from January 1, 2026

In addition to announcing quotas, IRCC also announced an important relaxation: students in master's and doctoral programs at public educational institutions from 2026 will NOT be required to submit a PAL/TAL (provincial or territorial attestation letter).

This step is related to the recognition of their contribution to the development of the economy, science and innovation. Also exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement are:

- Elementary and secondary school students;

- Certain priority and vulnerable categories of applicants;

- Those who continue their permit in the same DLI and at the same level of study.

Canada continues to reform the educational migration system, reducing the number of temporary residents while strengthening control over the quality of education. The limits on student permits, stricter financial requirements, and the updated PGWP program are aimed at making studying in Canada more transparent, stable, and focused on highly qualified students. The new rules especially support master's and doctoral degree holders, as they contribute the most to the country's economy and innovation. For prospective students, these changes mean more thorough preparation for application and realistic budget planning.

With the new limits and financial requirements for international students in Canada, mistakes in documents can cost you a rejection. Visit World lawyers will help you prepare the right package of documents, understand PAL/TAL, PGWP requirements, and financial requirements — so that your admission and relocation are successful the first time.

Let's remind you! USA or UK - which country is better for studying abroad? Read here where it will be easier for an international student to study, adapt, and find his first job after graduation.

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