Canada Drops Attestation Letter Requirement for Some Students from 2026
Starting January 2026, master’s and PhD students in Canada won’t need to submit a province attestation letter for their study visa. The measure aims to simplify the procedure amid stricter international student caps.
Starting January 2026, Canada will make it easier for some international students to apply for study visas. A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) is no longer required to be submitted with an application for master's and doctorate candidates enrolled in Public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
What Students Should Know About This
This is a crucial update if you intend to work, study, or finally settle in Canada. The PAL/TAL was implemented previously to help provinces control the amount of entering students.
However, it caused extra paperwork and lengthier waiting periods. Postgraduate students will find the process easier and quicker if it is eliminated.
Canada’s Student Cap and 2026 Targets
Canada has placed limits on the number of new overseas students accepted each year. By the end of 2027, the government wants the number of temporary residents to be less than 5% of the entire population.
According to the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan:
In 2026, up to 408,000 study permits will be granted.
This comprises 155,000 new students and 253,000 permit extensions.
The total is 16% less than 2024 and 7% less than the 2025 goal.
Canada still hopes to draw highly qualified students and researchers through its International Student Program, particularly those seeking advanced degrees, even though the total cap is being tightened.
In 2026, who is exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement?
From January 1, 2026, the following students will not need to submit a PAL/TAL:
Master’s and PhD students at public DLIs Primary and secondary (K–12) students
Certain vulnerable demographics and priority groups of the Canadian government
Applicants requesting an extension at the same school and academic level who currently possess a study permit
In 2026, around 180,000 study permits are estimated to go to applicants who still need a PAL/TAL, while 309,670 study permit spots will be available in total under the quota.
Master’s and PhD Students Exempt from Canada’s Study Permit Cap
Master's and PhD students in Canada will be exempt from the study permit cap beginning in 2026, avoiding annual application limits, in addition to the loosened requirement of an attestation letter.
On top of that, doctorate applicants will also obtain speedier 14-day visa processing, helping Canada attract competent researchers while maintaining balanced immigration levels.
Canada’s Study Permit Targets
The new international student intake between 2026 and 2028 will look like this, according to the most recent data released by the IRCC:
Year Target (New Arrivals) Range
2026 155,000 150,000–160,000
2027 150,000 145,000–155,000
2028 150,000 145,000–155,000
It is important to note that the figures above only apply to new students enrolled in programs at authorized Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that last longer than six months.
Concluding Remarks
Canada’s message is clear: it’s tightening control over the number of overseas students but easing the road for those seeking higher-level research and education. For master’s and PhD applicants, the process is set to become smoother and less bureaucratic starting in 2026.
