Study Permits

Study Permits Update — June 8, 2026

Monday, June 8, 2026

A national study permit cap of approximately 155,000 is in effect for 2026. Master's and PhD students at public universities are officially exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement as of January 1, 2026.

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus. Spousal open work permits for dependants are now restricted to spouses of Master's, PhD, and select professional degree students only.

Private 'licensed' colleges are no longer eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), and PGWP field-of-study requirements have been updated. Digital processing is now in effect for study permit applications.

What You Should Do

  • If you are applying for a study permit for a public university Master's or PhD program, confirm you do not need a PAL — you are exempt. Document your program level clearly in your application to avoid delays.
  • If you are enrolled at or considering a private college, verify immediately whether your institution is PGWP-eligible by checking the designated learning institutions list at canada.ca/designated-learning-institutions before enrolling, as private 'licensed' colleges are no longer PGWP-eligible.
  • If you plan to bring a spouse to Canada on an open work permit, confirm your program qualifies (Master's, PhD, or select professional degree) — spousal OWPs are no longer available for undergraduate or college-level student spouses.
  • Check that your intended field of study is still eligible for a PGWP under the updated 2026 field-of-study requirements at canada.ca/post-graduation-work-permit before finalizing your program enrollment.

Sources

  1. Canada Student Visa Updates 2026: New Rules for International Students
  2. Applying to Canada in 2026? Two study-permit changes international students need know
  3. How are the new 2026 international study permit caps affecting your university
  4. Canadian immigration officials move to ease rules around student work permits

Topics Covered

International Student Cap ReductionGraduate Student PAL ExemptionStudent Work Authorization Simplification

International Student Cap Reduction: Canada's 2026 national study permit cap is approximately 155,000. PAL/TAL requirements remain in place for most public institution applicants, with the exception of Master's and PhD students.

Graduate Student PAL Exemption: As of January 1, 2026, Master's and Doctoral students at public universities are officially exempt from the PAL requirement, simplifying their study permit applications.

Student Work Authorization Simplification: Off-campus work is capped at 24 hours per week, spousal OWPs are restricted to graduate and select professional degree student spouses, and private colleges have been removed from PGWP eligibility.

More Study Permits Updates

Study Permits Update — June 4, 2026

Jun 4, 2026

Study Permits Update — June 1, 2026

Jun 1, 2026

Study Permits Update — May 30, 2026

May 30, 2026

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