Canada immigration news
Plain-language updates on the changes that affect students, workers, and PR applicants — each linked to its official source. Verify anything time-sensitive against the primary source before you act.
StudyJanuary 1, 2026
Master's and PhD students at public colleges/universities no longer need a PAL
As of January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) requirement.
- As of January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students at a public DLI no longer need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL).
- Most other study permit applicants still require a PAL/TAL, and those spaces remain capped under the 2026 allocation.
StudyNovember 5, 2025
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.
- 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).
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often — for your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer, and always confirm details on the official source linked in each item.