Canada Removes Attestation Letter Requirement for Students Starting in 2026
Starting January 2026, Canada will simplify the study permit application for master’s and PhD students. This change eliminates the requirement for a provincial attestation letter, streamlining the application process amidst tightened international student quotas.
Key Changes for Students
If you’re aiming to study in Canada, this update is crucial. Previously, the provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) helped provinces manage incoming student numbers. However, this requirement added unnecessary paperwork and slowed down processing times. By removing it for graduate students, Canada is making it easier and quicker for those pursuing advanced degrees.
Understanding Canada’s Student Capacity and Future Goals
Canada has set limits on the number of international students allowed each year. The government aims to reduce the temporary resident population to below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027. According to the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan:
- Up to 408,000 study permits are expected to be issued in 2026.
- This includes 155,000 new students and 253,000 permit extensions.
- The total number is 7% lower than the target for 2025 and 16% lower than that for 2024.
Despite these limits, Canada remains committed to attracting skilled students and researchers through its International Student Program, particularly those in advanced studies.
Who Won’t Need the PAL/TAL in 2026?
From January 1, 2026, the following groups will be exempt from submitting a PAL/TAL:
- Master’s and PhD students at public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
- K–12 students
- Certain vulnerable cohorts and the Government of Canada priority groups
- Current study permit holders applying for extensions at the same institution
In total, approximately 180,000 study permits will still require a PAL/TAL in 2026, while a total of 309,670 study permit slots will be available.
Important Benefits for Graduate Students
In addition to the removal of the attestation letter, master’s and PhD students will be exempt from the overall study permit cap starting in 2026. This means they won’t face annual application limits. Moreover, doctoral applicants will enjoy faster visa processing times of just 14 days, making Canada an attractive option for skilled researchers while maintaining balanced immigration levels.
Looking Ahead: 2026–2028
The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides insight into the anticipated student enrollment:
- 2026: 155,000 new students (target range: 150,000–160,000)
- 2027: 150,000 new students (target range: 145,000–155,000)
- 2028: 150,000 new students (target range: 145,000–155,000)
These figures refer only to new students enrolling in programs longer than six months at approved DLIs.
Conclusion
Canada’s decision to ease the study permit process for graduate students marks a significant shift in its immigration policy. While the government is tightening overall controls on international student numbers, it is simultaneously creating a more accessible pathway for students pursuing higher education. As we approach 2026, master’s and PhD applicants can look forward to a smoother, more efficient application process.
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