New visa rules for international students in 2026: Canada
Topics covered
- 5 min
- Published: 19 February 2026
Canada continues to be a top choice for international students, offering quality education, part-time work options, and strong post-study opportunities. While there are some important updates to student visa and work rules from 2025 onwards, these changes are designed to bring more clarity and structure to the system. Students can still work up to 24 hours per week off campus and access the Post-Graduation Work Permit through eligible courses and institutions. Understanding these updates early can help you choose the right pathway and protect your post-study work options in Canada.
Summary
In-study work hours | Post-study work/stay | Financial Proof (Living Costs) | Visa Fee | Dependants | Key 2026 Changes / Notes |
24 hrs/week off campus | PGWP: 1–3 yrs depending on program; 3 yrs for Master’s, PHD and some professional degrees, even if <2 yrs | CA$22,895 (living costs) + 1st-year tuition | CA$235, including biometrics | Spousal OWP only for Master’s, PhD & select professional degrees | National study-permit cap (~155k in 2026); PAL/TAL required for public institutions (except Masters/PhD into public universities) and exempted are K12 and those extending their degree in same level for PAL; updated PGWP fields; digital processing; private “licensed” colleges not PGWP-eligible. |
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Canada study permit updates
Below are the main things to know if you’re planning to study in Canada in 2026.
1. Study permit caps & PAL/TAL system
Canada introduced a national study-permit cap, which will be ~155,000 new study permits in 2026.
Most post-secondary students must obtain a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) before applying.
Exception from 1 Jan 2026: Master’s and PhD students at public DLIs are exempt from the cap and from the PAL/TAL requirement.
2. Updated proof of funds
From 1 Sept 2025, applicants must show access to at least CA$22,895 (for one person) in addition to first-year tuition as proof of living funds when applying for a study permit.
For multiple-year programs, you must prove you paid your first year’s tuition.
3. PGWP eligibility changes
IRCC added 119 new PGWP-eligible fields (healthcare, trade, education).
Removal of 178 non-degree programs was postponed until early 2026, meaning students entering these programs in 2025 may still qualify.
Bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs remain fully eligible regardless of field.
Students attending private colleges that license public curriculum are not PGWP-eligible (rule reinforced in 2025).
Master’s graduates can now get a three-year PGWP, even if their program is under two years, provided the program was at least 8 months long and completed at a DLI (Designated Learning Institution).
4. Spousal & dependent rules
Spouse open work permits are now restricted to partners of:
Master’s, PhD, and certain professional-degree students
Dependent children are no longer eligible for open work permits.
5. Off-campus work
Permission to work 24 hours/week off-campus during academic terms remains unchanged.
6. Digital application & renewal process
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) introduced a fully online system for permit extensions, document uploads, biometrics scheduling, and real-time status tracking to reduce processing times.
How can IDP help?
Studying in Canada comes with many opportunities, and having the right support can make the process much simpler. That’s where IDP comes in. Our expert counsellors guide you at every step, so you can move forward with confidence.
We help you:
Choose courses and institutions that align with PGWP rules
Understand study permit caps, PAL or TAL requirements, and exemptions
Prepare strong applications with the right proof of funds
Check eligibility for spousal and dependent options
Stay updated on IRCC policy changes that affect your plans
With IDP, you also get support beyond applications, including IELTS preparation, visa guidance, accommodation advice, and pre-departure briefings. Our advice is free, unbiased, tailored to your needs, and backed by global experience.
If Canada is your goal, IDP helps you turn the rules into a clear and achievable study plan.
Talk to an IDP expert today for free for more details and make your study-abroad journey smooth and stress-free.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended as visa or immigration advice. Please verify any policies or updates on the relevant official government website or consult your visa or migration advisor or lawyer.
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