In short
Canada 2026 study permit targets: up to 408,000 permits, who needs a provincial attestation letter, and which students are exempt, including master’s and PhD students at public institutions.
In this article
The 2026 numbers
IRCC says it expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, made up of 155,000 new arrivals and 253,000 extensions. The 408,000 is split as follows:
| Group | Expected permits |
|---|---|
| Master's and doctoral students at public institutions (exempt from attestation letter) | 49,000 |
| Primary and secondary students (exempt) | 115,000 |
| Other exempt applicants | 64,000 |
| Applicants who need a provincial or territorial attestation letter | 180,000 |
There are 309,670 application spaces for students who need an attestation letter, shared across provinces and territories by population.
Who is exempt from the attestation letter
- Master's and doctoral students at public designated learning institutions, from 1 January 2026.
- Primary and secondary school students.
- Certain Government of Canada priority and vulnerable groups.
- Current permit holders extending at the same institution and level.
What it means for you
If you are applying for an undergraduate or college programme, plan for the attestation letter and leave extra time, since each province allocates its spaces. Master's and PhD applicants to public institutions no longer need one. Also read our Canada rules guide and Canada page.
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