In a surprise move welcomed by research-intensive universities, IRCC announced on November 7 that master’s and doctoral students will be exempt from Canada’s study-permit cap as of January 1 2026. The change also removes the requirement for a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) for graduate-level applicants.
Even better for PhD candidates and their families, IRCC introduced an expedited processing lane promising decisions within 14 days—matching Australia’s and beating the United Kingdom’s published targets. Eligible dependants can obtain visitor or work permits on the same timeline, smoothing dual-career relocations.
![Graduate Students Exempted from Study-Permit Cap; Doctoral Files Fast-Tracked to Two Weeks]()
The carve-out partially offsets the 49 % cut to overall student intakes unveiled in the new immigration plan and signals Canada’s intent to stay competitive for high-value talent, especially in STEM and AI. Universities such as the University of Toronto and McGill are already revamping offer letters to highlight the two-week turnaround, while employers in R&D clusters see a quicker runway to co-op hires and post-graduate work permit holders.
Practically, institutions must update admissions communications and liaise with provincial authorities to clarify that no PAL/TAL is required for 2026 intakes. Graduate students should prepare standard proof-of-funds and health checks but can save the CAD 10-15 k tuition deposits some provinces required to secure a PAL. Mobility teams should educate employees seeking employer-funded grad programs about the simplified process and shorter lead-times.
Long term, the policy could deepen Canada’s advanced-skills pipeline just as temporary worker caps tighten, making graduate studies an even more attractive pathway to permanent residence for global professionals.
Even better for PhD candidates and their families, IRCC introduced an expedited processing lane promising decisions within 14 days—matching Australia’s and beating the United Kingdom’s published targets. Eligible dependants can obtain visitor or work permits on the same timeline, smoothing dual-career relocations.
The carve-out partially offsets the 49 % cut to overall student intakes unveiled in the new immigration plan and signals Canada’s intent to stay competitive for high-value talent, especially in STEM and AI. Universities such as the University of Toronto and McGill are already revamping offer letters to highlight the two-week turnaround, while employers in R&D clusters see a quicker runway to co-op hires and post-graduate work permit holders.
Practically, institutions must update admissions communications and liaise with provincial authorities to clarify that no PAL/TAL is required for 2026 intakes. Graduate students should prepare standard proof-of-funds and health checks but can save the CAD 10-15 k tuition deposits some provinces required to secure a PAL. Mobility teams should educate employees seeking employer-funded grad programs about the simplified process and shorter lead-times.
Long term, the policy could deepen Canada’s advanced-skills pipeline just as temporary worker caps tighten, making graduate studies an even more attractive pathway to permanent residence for global professionals.
