Canada Updates Study Permit Rules for International Students (2026)

What Is the Latest Update from IRCC?

To begin with, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has updated its rules for study permit applications.
This update mainly talks about Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letters (PALs/TALs) and brings good news for international students, especially those in joint programs.

Big Relief for Joint Program Students

Most importantly, if you are studying in a joint program, you now need only ONE PAL/TAL.

This applies even if:

• Your program includes more than one college or university (DLI), or
• Your studies take place in more than one province or territory

Earlier, students had to collect multiple PALs/TALs, which made the process confusing and slow.
Now, the process is simpler and faster.

Master’s and PhD Students Get an Exemption

Additionally, IRCC has officially applied the earlier announcement that:

• Master’s and PhD students studying at publicly funded institutions
• Do NOT need a PAL/TAL

This rule continues to apply under the new instructions.

Rules That Still Remain the Same

However, some important rules have not changed:

• If you are restoring your student status, you must submit a new PAL/TAL
• Visiting students, including visiting graduate students, still need a PAL/TAL
• If you are changing your program but:
  • Staying at the same institution (DLI), and
  • Staying at the same level of study
    → Then no PAL/TAL is required
• Moreover, IRCC clearly states that Master’s and PhD are considered the same level of study

Special Clarification for Quebec Vocational Programs

Furthermore, IRCC explained which Quebec vocational programs are considered secondary-level and are exempt from PAL/TAL:

These include:

• Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS / DEP)
• Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS / ASP)
• Pre-Work Training Certificate (PWTC / CFPT)
• Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade (TCST / CFMS)

But, students studying at CEGEP in Quebec
Still require a PAL/TAL

When Do These New Rules Apply?

Now comes an important timing update:

• Applications received in 2026 will follow these new rules
• Applications submitted before January 1, 2026
  → Will be processed under old rules

PAL/TAL Is Mandatory for Most Students

Since January 22, 2024, most post-secondary study permit applications must include a PAL/TAL, unless exempt.

Otherwise:

• Applications without PAL/TAL
• Will be returned without processing
• And fees will be refunded

Special Rule for Quebec Students

In Quebec, students can meet the PAL/TAL requirement by submitting:

• An attestation of Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
  Issued by MIFI

Why Canada Introduced These Rules

Finally, the Canadian government introduced these limits to:

• Reduce pressure on housing
• Reduce strain on social services

As a result:

• Canada now sets yearly limits on international students

Canada’s Study Permit Numbers

• 2026 target: 155,000 students
• 2025 target: 305,900 students
• Actual admissions (Jan–Nov 2025): 105,870 students

This clearly shows Canada is reducing international student intake each year.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).