Canada to Slash Study Permits Impacting 2026 Indian Students

Post by : Raina Nasser

Canada has revealed its intention to decrease the number of international study permits, including temporary work permits in 2026, heavily affecting Indian nationals. The government estimates that 408,000 study permits will be granted next year, which comprises 155,000 for new applicants and 253,000 for extensions. This marks a 7% decline from 437,000 permits issued in 2025 and a 16% drop from 485,000 in 2024.

Similarly, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP) are set to issue 230,000 new work permits in 2026. These figures are projected to dip to 220,000 in 2027 and 2028. Indian nationals, in particular, have faced significant impacts, representing 20.8% of TFWP entrants, 29.2% of IMP entrants, and 36.5% of international students in 2024.

In a broader strategy, the Canadian government aims to lessen the proportion of temporary residents to below five percent of the total population by late 2027. Consequently, overall entries for temporary workers and students will decrease to 385,000 in 2026, before hitting 370,000 in 2027 and 2028.

The 2026 framework also brings about a simplification for higher education students; starting January 1, 2026, Master's and PhD students enrolled at publicly designated learning institutions (DLIs) will not require provincial or territorial attestation letters (PAL/TAL). Exempt categories also include K-12 students, specific federal priority groups, and current study permit holders applying for an extension at the same school and level.

These adjustments underscore Canada's commitment to regulate temporary resident numbers while continuing to foster opportunities for students and skilled workers, who significantly contribute to innovation and the economy.