Updated guidance circulated on January 10 confirms that master’s and PhD candidates are formally exempt from Canada’s two-year national cap on study-permit applications and no longer need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL). The change took effect on January 1 but was clarified this week through an IRCC FAQ to designated learning institutions. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/zh/news/2026-01-10/ca/graduate-students-exempt-from-study-permit-cap-as-ircc-drops-provincial-attestation-letter-requirement/))
The PAL/TAL regime, adopted in 2024 to help provinces manage surging demand, continues to apply to most undergraduate and college-level applicants. Removing graduate students from the quota is expected to streamline processing times; doctoral candidates can also benefit from two-week processing under the Student Direct Stream. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/zh/news/2026-01-10/ca/graduate-students-exempt-from-study-permit-cap-as-ircc-drops-provincial-attestation-letter-requirement/))
![Graduate Students Exempt from National Study-Permit Cap and PAL/TAL Requirement]()
For applicants navigating these revised rules, VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers up-to-date guidance and hands-on assistance. Its experts track every IRCC update and can help graduate students compile the precise documents—such as proof of program level—needed to ensure their files sail through without triggering cap issues or avoidable delays.
Major research universities such as Toronto, McGill and UBC welcomed the exemption, saying it will ease recruitment of top talent and support Canada’s innovation goals. Employers likewise view the decision as positive for the long-term labour pipeline, as many graduate students transition to permanent residence through Express Entry. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/zh/news/2026-01-10/ca/graduate-students-exempt-from-study-permit-cap-as-ircc-drops-provincial-attestation-letter-requirement/))
Mobility managers should note, however, that other cohorts remain subject to caps, and some provinces may still issue optional attestation letters for tracking purposes. Graduate applicants are advised to include clear proof of program level when filing to avoid delays. IRCC will monitor volumes and could revisit the exemption if numbers spike again.
The PAL/TAL regime, adopted in 2024 to help provinces manage surging demand, continues to apply to most undergraduate and college-level applicants. Removing graduate students from the quota is expected to streamline processing times; doctoral candidates can also benefit from two-week processing under the Student Direct Stream. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/zh/news/2026-01-10/ca/graduate-students-exempt-from-study-permit-cap-as-ircc-drops-provincial-attestation-letter-requirement/))
For applicants navigating these revised rules, VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers up-to-date guidance and hands-on assistance. Its experts track every IRCC update and can help graduate students compile the precise documents—such as proof of program level—needed to ensure their files sail through without triggering cap issues or avoidable delays.
Major research universities such as Toronto, McGill and UBC welcomed the exemption, saying it will ease recruitment of top talent and support Canada’s innovation goals. Employers likewise view the decision as positive for the long-term labour pipeline, as many graduate students transition to permanent residence through Express Entry. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/zh/news/2026-01-10/ca/graduate-students-exempt-from-study-permit-cap-as-ircc-drops-provincial-attestation-letter-requirement/))
Mobility managers should note, however, that other cohorts remain subject to caps, and some provinces may still issue optional attestation letters for tracking purposes. Graduate applicants are advised to include clear proof of program level when filing to avoid delays. IRCC will monitor volumes and could revisit the exemption if numbers spike again.
