Canada is set to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, representing a 7% decrease compared with this year, as the government continues efforts to slow the growth of temporary residents. The reduction will primarily affect new international students, with permits for newcomers falling sharply to 155,000—roughly half of the 305,900 issued this year. Returning students seeking extensions will account for 253,000 of the total permits.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the 2026 figure is 7% below the 2025 target of 437,000 and 16% lower than the 2024 target of 485,000. The department described the move as a strategic measure to manage the country’s temporary resident population while maintaining pathways for high-skilled international talent.
The number of valid study permits has already declined from over one million in January 2024 to about 725,000 as of September 2025. Despite the reduction, IRCC affirmed its commitment to attracting top-tier international students to support Canada’s economic growth, research, and innovation.
To further encourage highly skilled students, beginning January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral candidates enrolled at public designated learning institutions (DLIs) will no longer be required to submit provincial or territorial attestation letters (PAL/TAL) when applying for a study permit. This exemption acknowledges the significant contributions of graduate-level students to Canada’s innovation and economic development. A complete list of public DLIs offering eligible programs will be published on the government website in due course.
Canada continues to be a major hub for international education. The country hosted the world’s second-largest international student population after the United States, with approximately 800,000 students enrolled in the 2024–2025 academic year, according to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report.
The government’s approach reflects a balance between curbing overall temporary residency numbers and fostering an environment that attracts highly skilled international students who can contribute to Canada’s long-term economic and research priorities.
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