These Canadian provinces will accept the most international students in 2026
Canada drastically cut the number of international student permits it plans to issue and has now shared a more detailed look at what those numbers will look like across the country.
On Nov. 25, the Government of Canada announced how international student permits will be allocated under the new cap.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it would limit the total number of permits to 408,000 in 2026. That includes 155,000 new permits and 253,000 extensions for current and returning students. That total is seven per cent lower compared to the target of 437,000 in 2025 and 16 per cent lower compared to the 485,000 target in 2024.
Here’s how Canada plans to allocate the 408,000 study permits, including new arrivals and extensions, in 2026:
- 180,000 for applicants who require a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), which “confirms that you’ve been assigned one of the available spaces to study in that province or territory.”
- 115,000 for primary and secondary school students who are PAL/TAL exempt
- 64,000 study permits for applicants who don’t require a PAL/TAL
- 49,000 for master’s and doctoral students enrolling at designated learning institutes. This category will be exempt from PAL/TAL requirements starting Jan. 1, 2026, in “recognition of their unique contributions to Canada’s economic growth and innovation.”
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In 2026, the number of students who require PAL/TAL will make up the highest number of study permits at 180,000.
Applying for an international student permit will be much harder, but luckily, some provinces have a higher target than others.
In 2026, Ontario will have the highest target with 70,074 permits, followed by Quebec with 39,474, B.C. with 24,784, and Alberta with 21,582.
In November, Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne said the government plans to lower Canada’s immigration levels to “sustainable levels.”
“Our plan will restore control, will provide clarity and consistency to the immigration system, while maintaining compassion in our choices and driving competitiveness in our economy,” he said.