Important Changes You Need to Know Before Applying
The Government of Canada has officially released the 2026 International Student Cap and provincial/territorial allocations for study permits. This new system significantly impacts students applying for undergraduate, college, graduate, and K–12 programs.
Below is a clear and comprehensive breakdown to help you understand what’s changing — and how it affects your application strategy for 2026.
📌 1. Overall 2026 Study Permit Cap
| Category | Number of Study Permits |
|---|---|
| Total permits (new + extensions) | 408,000 |
| For NEW international students | 155,000 |
| For extensions/renewals (in Canada) | 253,000 |
📌 2. PAL/TAL Requirement (Starting Jan 1, 2026)
A Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) will be required for most post-secondary programs.
PAL/TAL NOT required for:
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Master’s & PhD students at public DLIs
-
K–12 students
-
Certain priority/vulnerable groups
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In-Canada study permit extensions (same school & level)
PAL/TAL REQUIRED for:
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Most college and undergraduate applicants
-
Some other non-exempt post-secondary categories
📌 3. Permit Allocation by Cohort (2026)
| Cohort | PAL/TAL Requirement | 2026 Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s & PhD at public DLIs | Exempt | 49,000 |
| K–12 students | Exempt | 115,000 |
| Other exempt categories | Exempt | 64,000 |
| College & undergraduate (PAL/TAL required) | Required | 180,000 |
👉 Most competition will be in the PAL/TAL-required group, especially for college & undergraduate programs.
👉 Graduate applicants benefit from a significant advantage in 2026.
📌 4. 2026 PAL/TAL Permit Allocation by Province
(For applicants who require PAL/TAL)
| Province / Territory | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 70,074 |
| Québec | 39,474 |
| British Columbia | 24,786 |
| Alberta | 21,582 |
| Manitoba | 6,108 |
| Saskatchewan | 4,836 |
| Nova Scotia | 4,248 |
| New Brunswick | 2,958 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 2,103 |
| Prince Edward Island | 894 |
| Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut | 936 (combined) |
👉 Your choice of province will directly affect your chances, as each region has strict limits.
📌 5. What These Changes Mean for 2026 Applicants
🔵 If you’re applying for college or undergraduate programs:
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You will need PAL/TAL
-
Competition will be very high due to limited quotas
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Early submission and strategic province selection will be essential
🟢 If you’re applying for Master’s or PhD at a public institution:
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You are exempt from PAL/TAL
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Faster and simpler processing
-
Higher approval potential
🟡 If you’re applying for K–12:
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Exempt from PAL/TAL
-
More predictable application route
🔴 If you’re extending your study permit inside Canada:
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No PAL/TAL needed
-
You are counted in the 253,000 renewal quota
⭐ Key Takeaways
-
Canada will issue 408,000 study permits in 2026
-
Only 155,000 spots are for new international students
-
180,000 permits require PAL/TAL — mainly undergraduate & college programs
-
Graduate students at public DLIs gain a substantial advantage thanks to PAL/TAL exemption
-
Province selection matters more than ever due to strict quotas
📣 How Truong Immigration Can Help
Truong Immigration offers expert, licensed guidance to help you navigate the new 2026 system:
✔️ Strategic province & school selection (based on real quotas)
✔️ Clear guidance on PAL/TAL — whether YOU must apply or are exempt
✔️ Complete Study Permit preparation
✔️ Full file review for accuracy & competitiveness
✔️ Ongoing support until you receive your visa result
Your success is our mission.
👉 Contact us today for a 1:1 consultation and start preparing your 2026 application the right way.