Canada Cuts 2026 International Study Permit Cap to 309,670 — Down 7% from 2025

Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially released the 2026 provincial and territorial allocations under its international student cap, setting a total of 309,670 study permit application spaces — a 7% decrease from the 2025 target of 437,000 and a 16% decrease from the 2024 target of 485,000. The cap was first introduced in 2024 as part of a broader effort to reduce temporary resident populations and improve program integrity. Allocations for 2026 were distributed across provinces and territories based on each jurisdiction's average study permit approval rate from 2024 and 2025. The reductions follow a sharp drop in 2025 new study permit approvals, which fell to 75,372 — a 64% year-over-year decline and below COVID-era levels, according to ICEF Monitor. Prospective international students applying to Canadian institutions should be aware that competition for available permit spaces will be significantly higher than in prior years, and are advised to apply as early as possible and confirm provincial quotas with their designated learning institution. IRCC emphasizes it remains committed to attracting top global talent despite the overall reduction.