The latest Canada immigration news comes with remarkable benefits to students planning to enrol in advanced programs. Imagine applying for a study permit Canada with faster processing time / two-week fast track processing, and no caps on the number of applications. This is the new reality for international students who are seeking higher education in Canada. This new update, effective from January 1, 2026, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), thus makes studying in Canada an easy process, attracting skilled advanced studies students into the country.
The new IRCC updates apply to students:
Master’s and PhD students enrolled at public Canadian institutions will be exempt from the study permit cap. This means that the quotas are not limited by country of origin, province, or program, and all eligible international students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs can apply.
International Master’s and PhD students Canada no longer need to provide a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) for a study permit. The attestation letter rule delayed processing time and made the process complex, and with the new update, it removes the extra provincial documentation.
Doctoral (PhD) students who are eligible, along with their accompanying family members, will continue to benefit from the faster processing time / two-week fast track processing, which means they can expect their permits to be processed within two weeks after LOA validation and biometrics submission. While students enrolling in a master's program do not have access to a fast-track timeline, they can now expect faster and simplified processing.
IRCC's new rule makes it easier to bring spouses or common-law partners (who are eligible to apply for open work permits) and dependent children (who are eligible to apply for study permits or visitor visas) to Canada. Accompanying family members can apply together with the principal applicant for faster processing.
Authentic financial proof positions you as an eligible and capable applicant for studying in Canada. For receiving study permit Canada, you must submit financial proof of your ability to cover tuition costs, living expenses, and transportation. This will ensure your admission eligibility and strengthen your application.
Minimum Annual Funds (CAD)
Applicant - 22,895
Applicant + 1 Family Member - 28,502
Applicant + 2 Family Members - 35,040
Applicant + 3 Family Members - 42,543
Applicant + 4 Family Members - 48,252
Candidates planning to study in Québec are required to satisfy the province's unique financial-eligibility rules to receive a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
The most significant advantage of choosing to study in Canada is the smooth and easy transition from studying to working and obtaining permanent residency (PR) in the country. International students in Canada completing their master's or doctoral degrees are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The work experience you gain can help you apply for permanent residency in the country. Different pathways are available for permanent residency, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and others.
The leading study consultants and lawyers at ImmiLaw Global streamline the Canada Study Permit 2026 process, assisting you with document collection and the entire application process. Our lawyers will strengthen your case and ensure compliance with the requirements of IRCC, thereby improving your chance of faster and easier application approval.
The new study plans for 2026, targeting students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs, aim to make Canada a top global destination for graduate studies. With applicants no longer needing to submit a provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), fast two-week processing for doctoral students, no cap on study permits / uncapped study permit or quotas for eligible applicants, family members eligible to apply together, and post-study work permit Canada pathways (Post-Graduation Work Permit – PGWP) leading to permanent residence, Canada becomes all the more welcoming.
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Doctoral (PhD) students are eligible for the new 2-week fast-track processing starting January 1, 2026, provided they submit a complete online application, give Biometrics within 14 days, and have a validated Letter of Acceptance.
No. Students enrolling in a master's program can benefit from the new simplified process, but they do not have access to the 2-week processing stream.
The new regulation comes with no caps, no quotas, and no limits on the number of students applying for Master’s and PhD programs. All eligible applicants can apply.
No. Effective January 1, 2026, there is no longer a need for attestation letters for applicants enrolling in master's or doctoral studies. This removes a significant hurdle, making the approval process faster.
Yes, your spouse and dependent children can apply along with you for coordinated and expedited processing. While your spouse may apply for an open work permit, your children can apply for study permits or visitor visas.
Upon completing studies, internationals students in Canada can apply for a post-study work permit Canada - Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to stay and work in the country. Later they can apply for permanent residence through various programs, such as the CEC, FSW, or PNPs.
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