International student intake nearly halved for 2026
New study permits for newly arriving students fall to about 155,000 in 2026 — a ~49% drop — with 309,670 total application spaces under the cap.
Key points
✓IRCC expects to issue about 155,000 study permits to newly arriving students in 2026 — down ~49% from roughly 305,000 in 2025.
✓309,670 total study permit application spaces are available under the 2026 cap (for applicants who need a PAL/TAL).
✓Counting extensions and returning students, total 2026 study permit issuance is projected around 408,000.
What this means for you
School and program choice, and applying early in the cycle, matter more than ever under a shrinking cap. Confirm your specific institution still has PAL/TAL availability before you commit to an application.
Full detail
For 2026, IRCC expects to issue about 155,000 study permits to newly arriving international students, down from roughly 305,000 in 2025 — a decrease of about 49%. Counting extensions and returning students, total study permit issuance is projected at around 408,000.
A total of 309,670 study permit application spaces are available under the 2026 cap — the maximum number of applications IRCC will accept from students who require a PAL/TAL. Each province and territory distributes its allocation to its own designated learning institutions.
The cap makes school and program choice, and applying early in the cycle, more important. Confirm your institution’s PAL availability before you apply.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often — confirm details on the official source above and, for your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.