Canada Eases Study Pathways for Graduate Students

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has announced two big updates as a part of the new Immigration Levels Plan 2026-28:

1. Master's and PhD students will be exempted from the international enrolment cap.

• This change will take effect starting January 1, 2026.
• The enrolment cap exemption only applies to students at public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
• Master's and PhD students at private universities will still count towards the cap.

2. Faster visa processing times for PhD students and their families

• Study permits for international PhD students in Canada are typically processed within 14 days.
• You must apply online to be eligible for the faster process.
• This faster process also applies to the PhD student's family members if they apply at the same time.

What this means for you as an international student

The table below provides a quick breakdown of the changes and how they implement across different degree levels and university types.

* A PAL/TAL (provincial/territorial attestation letter) is a document that outlines where you plan to study. It is submitted by the province or territory you will study in, and confirms that you have been allocated a space in their study permit cap.

What’s next?

If you see yourself in a Master’s or PhD classroom in Canada, this is a good moment to start lining things up. Shortlist public universities, check which programs fit your profile, and note which intakes fall in or after 2026 so you can benefit from the new rules. If you'll be studying for a PhD, plan your family’s applications at the same time so everyone can take advantage of faster processing.