Canada’s study permit rules continued to evolve in 2026. Two changes matter most for new applicants: many graduate students no longer need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), and the amount of money every student must show for living expenses has increased.
1. No PAL for master’s and doctoral students at public institutions
Since January 1, 2026, students enrolled in a degree-granting master’s or doctoral program at a public designated learning institution are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement. Primary and secondary (K–12) students are also exempt, as are students extending their permit at the same institution and level of study.
Everyone else — including most college, undergraduate and private-institution students — still needs a PAL/TAL from the province or territory where they will study. These letters are issued under the national study permit cap, which for 2026 anticipates about 155,000 permits for newly arriving students.
2. Proof of funds: CAD $23,448 from September 1, 2026
A single student studying outside Quebec must now show CAD $23,448 for first-year living expenses, up from $22,895. This is in addition to first-year tuition and travel costs. Students with accompanying family members must show more. Quebec sets its own amounts.
Applications are assessed on the requirement in effect when they are received, so if you are preparing an application now, plan around the new figure.
3. The Student Direct Stream is gone
The Student Direct Stream (SDS), which once offered faster processing to applicants from China and other countries, ended in November 2024. All applicants now use the regular study permit process, where the quality of your documents and study plan carries more weight.
4. Working while you study
Eligible students may work off campus up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
What this means for you
- Graduate applicants: check whether your program and institution qualify for the PAL exemption before you wait for a letter you may not need.
- Families: update your financial documents to the new amount, and show a credible plan for funding the full program.
- Long-term planners: program choice still determines PGWP eligibility later, including the field-of-study rule for many college programs.
This article is general information based on Government of Canada guidance as of September 2026, not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently; please confirm current requirements or book a consultation for advice on your situation.
Sources
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter — Government of Canada
- 2026 allocations under the international student cap — Government of Canada
- Study permit: proof of financial support — Government of Canada
- End of the Student Direct Stream — Government of Canada
- Work off campus as an international student — Government of Canada
