Study Permits Update — June 25, 2026
Thursday, June 25, 2026
As of June 3, 2026, study permit processing times for India-based applicants increased by one week (now 5 weeks), while all other featured countries remained stable (Inside Canada: 6 weeks, Pakistan: 7 weeks, Nigeria: 6 weeks, U.S.: 5 weeks, Philippines: 4 weeks).
Canada quietly updated its Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) rules in early 2026, easing requirements for certain categories such as joint and graduate programmes.
IRCC also moved to ease rules around student work permits in April 2026, simplifying work authorization for international students.
What You Should Do
- If you are applying for a study permit from India, budget for a 5-week processing time (up from 4 weeks as of May 26). Plan submission dates accordingly and check the latest estimates at ircc.canada.ca/english/information/times/index.asp before applying.
- If you are a graduate or joint-programme student applying for a study permit in 2026, check whether you are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement under the updated IRCC rules before gathering documents. Review the current PAL/TAL requirements at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents.html.
- If you are an international student interested in working while studying, review the updated student work permit rules announced in April 2026 at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2026/04 to confirm your eligibility under the new simplified authorization rules.
Sources
Topics Covered
Student Work Authorization Simplification: IRCC moved in April 2026 to ease rules around student work permits, simplifying work authorization for international students studying in Canada.
Graduate Student PAL Exemption: Canada updated its PAL/TAL rules in early 2026 to ease requirements for graduate and joint-programme students applying for study permits, removing a document barrier that had existed since 2024.
More Study Permits Updates
Study Permits Update — June 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
Study Permits Update — June 18, 2026
Jun 18, 2026
Study Permits Update — June 15, 2026
Jun 15, 2026
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