Canada has announced measures to make the study permit process more streamlined for international graduate students, including a commitment to process eligible doctoral study permit applications from outside Canada within two weeks.
Under the new measures, students applying for master’s and doctoral degree programmes at eligible public designated learning institutions (DLIs) will also benefit from an exemption from the provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) requirement starting January 1, 2026.
The Canadian government says the measures are aimed at attracting highly skilled international students and researchers while managing the overall number of international students entering the country.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), doctoral applicants can have their study permit applications processed within 14 days when applying from outside Canada.
Graduate students can also apply to bring eligible family members with them to Canada, while those who meet the relevant requirements may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after completing their studies.
The changes come as Canada continues to reduce overall international student numbers. The government has introduced caps and other measures to manage temporary resident levels, while reserving places and creating specific measures for graduate students.
The Canadian government says graduate students play an important role in the country’s economic growth and innovation, and the new measures are intended to help attract talented researchers and students from around the world.
However, the two-week processing timeline is a processing commitment for eligible doctoral applications, not a guarantee that every applicant will receive a study permit within two weeks.
