Ottawa (Canada):<\/strong> In a major policy shift aimed at attracting top global talent, the Canadian government has announced that international students enrolling in master\u2019s and doctoral programs will be exempt from the national cap on study permits and will have their applications processed on a priority basis.<\/p>\nThe move underscores Canada\u2019s push to strengthen its position as a hub for advanced research and innovation.<\/p>\n
According to the latest update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the new rules will take effect from January 1, 2026. The measure comes amid Canada\u2019s broader recalibration of its international education strategy following the introduction of new intake caps earlier this year.<\/p>\n
Under the revised framework, master\u2019s and PhD students at public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) will not be counted under the country\u2019s overall foreign student limit and will no longer need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL\/TAL).<\/p>\n
However, students enrolling in private institutions will still be subject to these caps and additional documentation requirements.<\/p>\n
To make the process more efficient, doctoral students applying from outside Canada will now have access to a fast-tracked online visa process, with a target processing time of just 14 days, provided their applications are complete and biometrics have been submitted.<\/p>\n
The reforms also extend to families of postgraduate students. Dependent spouses and children will be permitted to accompany the student, with spouses eligible for open work permits and children able to apply for study or visitor visas.<\/p>\n
The announcement follows Canada\u2019s 2026\u20132028 Immigration Levels Plan, which reduced international student intake targets to 155,000 in 2026 and 150,000 in 2027.<\/p>\n
The exemptions for master\u2019s and doctoral students signal Canada\u2019s intent to prioritize quality and research-oriented education over volume-driven admissions.<\/p>\n
Officials said the decision aims to \u201cstrengthen Canada\u2019s innovation ecosystem\u201d and ensure that the country continues to attract highly skilled, research-focused talent to support its long-term economic and scientific growth.<\/p>\n
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