Canada Welcomes Graduate Students! New in 2026: No Caps, No Attestation Letters, and 2-Week Processing for PhD Students
Beginning January 1, 2026, international graduate students coming to Canadian public universities and colleges will enjoy simplified application rules, faster processing, and no enrolment caps.
The changes include:
1. No Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) required for public institutions
2. Priority 2-week processing for doctoral (PhD) students
3. No national intake cap for eligible graduate programs
1. No PAL/TAL Required for Public Graduate Programs (From Jan 1, 2026)
Canada’s temporary cap on study permits introduced in 2024 required most new applicants to include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming that their province had approved the study space.
That extra paperwork often delayed applications and limited international enrolment. Starting January 1 2026, students enrolling in a public master’s or doctoral program will no longer need to include a PAL or TAL when applying for a study permit.
Who qualifies:
– Applicants to publicly funded universities or colleges in Canada
– Programs at the graduate level (master’s, doctoral, or professional postgraduate diploma)
Why this matters:
– Streamlined applications mean faster submission and clearer processing times
– You can apply directly once you have your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
– It reduces uncertainty for international graduate students during intake seasons
2. Two-Week Processing for Doctoral Students
Canada is rewarding advanced researchers with express study-permit processing.
Eligible doctoral (PhD) students applying from outside Canada may have their applications processed in as little as two weeks.
Eligibility criteria:
– Applying from outside Canada
– Application submitted online
– You’re accepted into a doctoral (PhD) program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
– You include all required documents (LOA, proof of funds, passport, etc.)
This pilot aims to attract global research talent and keep Canada competitive among international graduate destinations such as the U.S. and U.K.
3. No Cap on Certain Graduate Students
When IRCC implemented the 2024–2025 national cap on study permits, it primarily targeted undergraduate and college-level enrolments to stabilize temporary resident numbers. But even master’s and PhD program enrolment dropped.
What “no cap” means:
– Universities can continue to admit qualified international graduate students without being limited by provincial quotas
– Study permits for eligible graduate programs will continue to be processed normally, without allocation limits
This exemption highlights Canada’s long-term goal: to attract highly skilled researchers and innovators who contribute to the economy and fill advanced-skill gaps.
4. (BONUS) Your Spouse/Common Law Partner and Children can Come to Canada with You
Applicants can include their spouse or common law partner, and any dependent children when they apply for their study permit. This keeps families together!
5. (BONUS) Life, Work, and Immigration After Graduation
Once in Canada, graduate students continue to enjoy strong advantages:
– Work while studying (up to 24 hours/week off-campus)
– Co-op and internship options through a co-op work permit if your program requires one
– Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility after completing your degree, allowing you to work in Canada and gain experience that can lead to permanent residence (PR)
PGWP holders often qualify later for immigration pathways such as:
– Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry
– Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for skilled workers
– Francophone Mobility (for French-speaking graduates outside Quebec)
We Can Help - Call Us
If you’re planning to begin your master’s or PhD studies in Canada in 2026, now is the time to prepare. The new rules make graduate study more accessible than ever, and we can ensure your dependents get the documents they need. At Elliott Immigration Corporation, we specialize in guiding international students through every stage of the process, from selecting a program and securing your study permit to transitioning into post-graduate work and permanent residence.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your path to study, work, and build your future in Canada.
Elliott Immigration Corporation is Here to Help You
