New Study Permit Measures for Graduate Students, Take Effect on January 1, 2026｜Cap Exemption & 2-week Processing
Date Posted:November 20, 2025
Last Updated:November 20, 2025
Index
The Government of Canada has announced major updates to its study permit system affecting international graduate students.
Starting January 1, 2026, international students enrolling in public university Master’s and Doctoral programs will be exempt from Canada’s annual study permit issuance cap. This means eligible graduate students can apply for a study permit without being subject to federal intake limits.
In addition, applicants at the Master’s and Doctoral level will no longer be required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) when applying for a study permit.
PAL/TAL No Longer Needed for Graduate Students
Beginning in 2026, graduate-level applicants (Master’s and Doctoral) will be able to submit study permit applications without providing a PAL/TAL.
What This Change Means
This change brings several key advantages:
- Graduate student applications will be excluded from IRCC’s annual processing limits
- A significantly larger number of graduate students will be able to study in Canada
- Applicants will no longer need to pay a deposit or other upfront costs often required when obtaining a PAL/TAL
Reduced Upfront Costs
As a result, the new system reduces financial barriers and simplifies the overall application process for international graduate students.
Study Permits for Doctoral Students to Be Processed in Two Weeks
IRCC has also introduced a new priority processing stream for Doctoral (PhD) applicants and their accompanying family members.
Eligible applicants may receive:
- A study permit
- A spouse’s work permit or visitor visa
- A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), if required
within a minimum of two weeks.
Eligibility for Priority Processing
The principal applicant must:
- Have confirmed admission to a doctoral program
- Apply from outside Canada
- Submit the application online
Family Members Eligible for Priority Processing
Family members may also benefit from priority processing if:
- They are applying for a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit
- They are included in the doctoral student’s application
- They submit their application at the same time as the principal applicant
IRCC Definition of Family
- A spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent children of the applicant, spouse, or common-law partner
- Dependent children of dependent children
Other Requirements Unchanged
While PAL/TAL will no longer be required for graduate-level applicants, all other study permit requirements remain unchanged.
This update does not mean that study permit approvals will be easier to obtain.
IRCC’s review standards have become increasingly strict in recent years, and applicants must continue to prepare their applications carefully.
This article summarizes the key points of the recent IRCC announcement, organized by Visa JP Canada for clarity.
Source: Apply for a study permit as a graduate student (English)
For personalized advice or assistance with your study permit application, please feel free to contact VISA JP Canada.
Related Columns
Looking to obtain permanent residence or a visa?
Consult with us now!
Applying for permanent residence or a visa to Canada on your own can be overwhelming due to the large number of required documents, and you may feel uncertain about whether everything is correct. However, if you're serious about immigrating to Canada, we strongly recommend seeking the support of an immigration consultant. There are many pathways to obtaining permanent residence, depending on factors such as your age, occupation, and family status. With the help of an expert, you can ensure that you plan the right approach tailored to your specific situation.
A professional immigration consultant will help solve your concerns
Get a free Counseling now
From immigration planning to application submission,
everything is completed with Visa JP Canada
Consulting with an immigration consultant makes the process clearer and much smoother. You’ll feel more confident with document submissions and procedures, significantly reducing the risk of mistakes. Take the first step toward your Canadian dream with the guidance of an expert.
