Canada has announced a national study‑permit cap of 408,000 for 2026, down from 437,000 in 2025. Of these, 180,000 permits are earmarked for PAL‑required applicants (mainly college and undergraduate students), with an application space of 309,670 across provinces—implying an assumed 58.1% approval rate.
Provincial Allocations (Target → Application)- Ontario: 70,074 → 104,780
– Quebec: 39,474 → 93,069
– British Columbia: 24,786 → 32,596
– Alberta: 21,582 → 32,271
– Manitoba: 6,534 → 11,196
– Saskatchewan: 5,436 → 11,349
– Nova Scotia: 4,680 → 8,480
– New Brunswick: 3,726 → 8,004
– Newfoundland & Labrador: 2,358 → 5,507
– Prince Edward Island: 774 → 1,376
Master’s, doctoral, and certain other categories remain PAL‑exempt.
Why it matters: The 58.1% approval assumption is optimistic compared to current trends, potentially tightening competition for PAL slots.
