Canada Study Permit Cap 2026: PAL, Provincial Allocations and Exemptions

The Canada study permit cap 2026 is lower again. Canada has capped the number of study permit applications it accepts since 2024. For an Indian student the practical questions are simple: do I need a provincial attestation letter (PAL), how many places does my province have, and which students are exempt? This guide answers them using the official IRCC notice and the PAL page.

The Canada study permit cap 2026 in numbers

IRCC says the 180,000 target for PAL-required students is distributed to provinces and territories by population. Allocations for applications are higher than the permit targets because some applications are refused.

2026 allocation by province and territory

What is a PAL/TAL?

A provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter is issued by the province or territory where you plan to study. It confirms you have been assigned one of the available spaces. You do not apply to the province yourself: contact your school (DLI) to find out how to get one, then submit it with your study permit application – not after.

Who does not need a PAL/TAL?

• Master’s or doctoral students at a public DLI (from 1 January 2026).
• Preschool, primary and secondary school (up to grade 12) students.
• Students at schools in the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot, with the required letter of acceptance.
• Certain priority groups, for example Global Affairs Canada scholarship holders and eligible exchange students who pay no tuition to the DLI.
• Study permit holders applying for an extension at the same DLI and the same level of study.

IRCC’s online questionnaire on the PAL page confirms whether your own situation is exempt – use it before you apply.

How long is a PAL valid?

• A PAL is linked to the school you apply to and, in most cases, must be used in the year it was issued.
• For the 2026 cap year, a PAL is valid until 31 December 2026 (unless it shows an earlier date) if it was issued between 1 January and 31 December 2026.
• It must be valid on the day you apply for your study permit; it does not need to be valid when you start classes.
• You cannot apply with a PAL issued in a previous cap year.

When do you need a new PAL?

• Your PAL has expired.
• Your previous study permit application was approved or refused.
• You are changing schools (required since 22 January 2025).
• You are changing your level of study (in most cases).
• You are extending your permit at a different DLI or level. Moving from a post-secondary program to a master’s or doctoral program at a public DLI does not need a new PAL.

Studying in Quebec?

Quebec uses its own attestation: instead of a PAL you need an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), issued by the Government of Quebec. Your school will tell you how to apply, and the CAQ must be valid and carry the required wording when IRCC receives your application.

What the cap means for Indian students

1. Plan the PAL before the application. No PAL means no study permit application for most new students, so ask your school about it at the time of admission.
2. Public master’s and doctoral programs avoid the PAL step and are not limited by the provincial allocation, but you still need a strong study permit application.
3. Choose your province with the allocation table in mind. Smaller allocations mean fewer spaces to go around.
4. Apply early and keep documents consistent – financial proof, admission letter and PAL must all match the school and program.
5. Think about what comes next. Check PGWP rules and your language score before you choose a program.

Read our guide to the PGWP rules for 2026 (the language and field-of-study requirements affect which program you should pick), the explainer on study permit vs student visa and our study in Canada consultant page.

Why Canada has a study permit cap

IRCC says the international student cap, introduced in 2024, has been used to slow the growth of Canada’s temporary population: the number of study permit holders dropped from over 1 million in January 2024 to about 725,000 by September 2025. IRCC wants to keep reducing the share of temporary residents to below 5% of the population by the end of 2027, while still attracting top talent through the International Student Program.

Study permit application checklist

IRCC creates a personalised checklist when you start your application, but you can expect to prepare these basics:

• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
• Your PAL/TAL (or Quebec CAQ), unless your situation is exempt.
• Proof of financial support.
• A valid passport and the other documents IRCC asks for in your checklist.

Start with the school: the DLI tells you how to get your PAL, and the PAL is linked to that school.

Frequently asked questions

How many study permits will Canada issue in 2026?

IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, including 155,000 for newly arriving students and 253,000 extensions for current and returning students.

Do master’s students need a PAL in 2026?

Not if they enrol in a master’s or doctoral program at a public designated learning institution. This exemption started on 1 January 2026.

Who issues the PAL and how do I get it?

The province or territory where you plan to study issues it. Contact your school (DLI) to find out how to apply, then submit the PAL with your study permit application.

Can I use my 2025 PAL for a 2026 study permit application?

No. You cannot apply with a PAL that was issued during a previous cap year. A 2026 PAL is valid until 31 December 2026.

Do I need a new PAL if I extend my study permit?

Not if you are extending at the same DLI and the same level of study. A new PAL is needed if you change schools or, in most cases, level of study.

Official sources

• IRCC – 2026 provincial and territorial allocations under the international student cap
• IRCC – Provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter

Facts on this page were checked against the official sources listed at the end on 6 October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change often, so confirm the current figure on the official site before you apply.

Talk to NC Visas

Not sure whether your program needs a PAL, or which province gives you the best chance? Our Canada study consultants in Hyderabad will check it with you before you pay a deposit. Book a free consultation or call +91 95055 15154.

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