Canada is introducing major changes that will benefit international graduate students, especially those pursuing master’s and PhD programs. Beginning in January 2026, federal study permit caps will no longer apply to graduate-level applicants enrolled in public universities. This update, highlighted in the Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, is designed to strengthen Canada’s research environment and attract top-tier global talent while keeping overall student intake balanced.
PhD students will also see faster visa processing. Applicants from outside Canada, along with any accompanying family members, will receive a streamlined 14-day study permit process. To support incoming researchers, IRCC has launched a dedicated information page outlining study pathways, funding opportunities, and post-graduation prospects. Government officials emphasized that graduate students play a crucial role in scientific innovation and are more likely to integrate into Canada’s workforce long-term.
The shift comes as Canada scales back the number of international undergraduate and college-level study permits. Graduate students, however, remain largely exempt. This strategic focus ensures that the country continues to welcome researchers, innovators, and skilled professionals who can directly contribute to economic development, technological progress, and national productivity.
The policy aligns with Canada’s broader goal of managing its temporary resident population more sustainably. By 2027, Canada aims to reduce the share of temporary residents—including international students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors—to below 5 percent of the national population, easing pressure on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
For 2026 to 2028, Canada expects a steady intake of new graduate students. The government aims for around 155,000 new arrivals in 2026, and about 150,000 each in 2027 and 2028. These targets apply only to students entering programs longer than six months at Designated Learning Institutions, excluding short courses and students on visitor visas.
These updates signal Canada’s long-term commitment to high-skilled academic talent. Even as regulations tighten for most international students, master’s and PhD candidates will continue to have strong opportunities to study, research, and build careers in one of the world’s most innovation-driven destinations.