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Canada to Lift Study Permit Limits for Master’s and PhD Students Starting 2026

November 12, 2025 5:33 am

Canada to Lift Study Permit Limits for Master’s and PhD Students Starting 2026

Exciting changes are on the horizon for international graduate students! Beginning in January 2026, Canada will eliminate study permit limits for master’s and PhD candidates at public universities. This change is designed to attract skilled individuals while carefully managing overall immigration numbers.

Key Updates for International Graduate Students

When Will This Change Take Effect: Starting January 2026, the federal study permit cap will no longer apply to master’s and PhD students.
Faster Visa Processing for Doctoral Applicants: PhD students from abroad will benefit from expedited processing of study permits within just 14 days. This quick service also extends to their family members.
New Resources for Graduate Students: The Canadian government has created an informative webpage within the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) site. This platform offers details about study programs, scholarship opportunities, and post-graduation work options.

Importance of This Policy Shift

This decision follows recent announcements to reduce the overall number of international students. While permits for undergraduate and college programs are being restricted, Canada is focused on attracting exceptional research talent. Graduate students are vital players in the country’s innovation landscape and are likely to stay in Canada after completing their degrees.

Overview of Future Student Intake

Here’s what the student intake is projected to look like from 2026 to 2028:

2026: 155,000 (Target: 150,000–160,000)
2027: 150,000 (Target: 145,000–155,000)
2028: 150,000 (Target: 145,000–155,000)

These figures apply specifically to new arrivals enrolling in programs that exceed six months at designated learning institutions (DLIs). Students in short programs or on visitor visas will not be included in this count.

Balancing Growth and Sustainability

The elimination of study permit caps is part of Canada’s strategy to keep the total population of temporary residents, including international students and temporary workers, below 5% by the end of 2027. This approach is a response to years of rapid growth, which has strained the housing, healthcare, and infrastructure systems.

Implications for Future Graduate Students

In summary, while Canada is tightening regulations for many international students, this policy ensures that master’s and PhD candidates, who play a crucial role in research and long-term economic development, will enjoy more flexible opportunities.

For those considering graduate studies abroad, these updates position Canada as a premier destination for advanced education. Seize this opportunity to advance your academic journey in a supportive and inclusive environment!