Canada Study Permit Cap 2026: Numbers, PAL Rules and Exemptions

These are the 2026 application spaces for students who need a PAL or TAL, as published by IRCC:

Provinces then divide their share among their designated learning institutions (DLIs). A school can run out of attestation letters even when you have an admission offer.

Most people applying for a new study permit from outside Canada, or from inside Canada at a new level, need one. You generally do not need a PAL/TAL if you are:

• A master's or doctoral student at a public DLI (new for 2026).
• A primary or secondary (K-12) student.
• Extending your permit at the same school and level.
• In a group IRCC lists as a Government of Canada priority.

IRCC's attestation letter page has the full list. See the study permit page for the rest of the process.

• College and undergraduate applicants face the tightest limits. Graduate students at public universities avoid the PAL step in 2026.
• Apply early. Schools issue PALs in order, and popular programs can use up their share.
• Work rights after graduation are also limited. Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility for college programs depends on field of study; see the PGWP page.
• Spouses have fewer work options. Open work permits for spouses are limited mainly to spouses of master's and PhD students. See spousal open work permits.

1. Get your admission letter and ask your school how it issues PALs.
2. Check whether your program is exempt (for example, a master's at a public university).
3. Prepare proof of funds and apply as soon as you have the PAL.
4. If you plan to stay after graduating, check the program's PGWP eligibility before you accept the offer.