Canada Study Visa 2026: 408,000 Permits & What Pakistani Students Should Know

Canada, a top destination for international education, has officially announced that it will issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026. This news is highly relevant for Pakistani students aspiring to study in Canada, as the new cap affects both new applicants and those extending their current study permits.

With this announcement, prospective international students must plan carefully to secure their spot in Canada’s renowned educational institutions.

Quick Overview of Canada’s 2026 Study Permit Cap

Key Detail	Information
Total Study Visas for 2026	408,000
New Student Permits	155,000
Extensions for Current Students	253,000
Percentage Decrease from 2025	7%
Graduate Students Exempt from PAL/TAL	49,000
Top Provinces Allocation	Ontario: 70,074, Quebec: 39,474, BC: 24,786

What This Means for Pakistani Students

Global Competition: The 408,000 visas are available for all international students, including those from Pakistan. With fewer permits than previous years, competition is expected to rise.
Graduate Students Benefit: Master’s and PhD applicants at public institutions no longer need the PAL/TAL (Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter), streamlining the application process.
Planning is Crucial: Early applications, strong academic records, and verified documents will be more important than ever for securing study permits.
Extensions Covered: A significant portion of visas (253,000) is reserved for current students applying for extensions, making timely renewals critical.

Provincial Allocation for PAL/TAL Required Students

Province/Territory	Permits Allocated (2026)
Ontario	70,074
Quebec	39,474
British Columbia	24,786
Other Provinces	Remaining quota distributed based on student population and institution size

Note: Some students, like graduate or K–12 students at public institutions, are exempt from PAL/TAL requirements, making their application process smoother.

Tips for Pakistani Students Applying for 2026

Apply Early: Submit applications as soon as possible to secure one of the limited new student visas.
Check DLI Status: Ensure your chosen institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Prepare Strong Documents: Academic transcripts, financial proof, and English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL) are critical.
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on IRCC announcements regarding quotas and provincial allocations.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s 2026 study visa cap of 408,000 represents a shift toward more controlled international student growth, emphasizing sustainability. For Pakistani students, this means increased competition but also opportunities for graduate students and younger students thanks to PAL/TAL exemptions. Strategic planning, early applications, and careful document preparation are now more important than ever to achieve the dream of studying in Canada.