Canada's international student cap, first introduced in January 2024, remains in force for 2026. IRCC has set a target of 408,000 study permits for the year — a figure that breaks down as follows:
- 155,000 permits for newly arriving international students
- 253,000 extensions for existing and returning students
This represents a 7% reduction from the 2025 target and a 16% reduction from 2024.
How the cap is allocated
Each province and territory receives a proportional allocation based on population. Provinces then distribute allocations to their Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Institutions with strong compliance records, good post-graduation employment outcomes, and lower concentrations of international students receive larger allocations.
Which institutions are most affected?
Private colleges and language schools have seen the steepest reductions. Some institutions that heavily relied on international student enrolments have faced allocation cuts of 40–60%. By contrast, Group of Eight research universities and established colleges with strong graduate outcomes have maintained or slightly grown their allocations.
Exemptions from the cap
The following are exempt from the cap:
- PhD and Master's degree students
- Primary and secondary school students
- Students in Quebec (Quebec manages its own immigration system)
- Renewals and extensions for existing permit holders
What this means for applicants
With fewer spots available, timing your application correctly is critical. Applications for September 2026 intake should ideally be submitted between January and March. Late applications risk falling outside the available allocation for your chosen institution.
Choosing a DLI with a strong allocation and proven compliance record — rather than a private college primarily advertising its easy entry requirements — is now more important than ever for securing a permit.