🇨🇦 Canada Study & Immigration Major News – Week of Jan 15–21, 2026
📢 Major News & Policy Changes This Week
The week of January 15–21, 2026 saw continued implementation and discussion of IRCC’s January 2026 changes, particularly the graduate student exemptions and the new study permit cap structure.
Top 5 Policy Highlights Effective January 1, 2026
Students enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs at public DLIs no longer need a PAL/TAL and are exempt from the study permit cap. PhD applicants receive 2-week fast-track processing when application + biometrics are submitted together.
Total cap: 408,000 (155,000 new students + 253,000 extensions/returning). PAL/TAL-required stream: ~180,000. Graduate, K-12, and short-term students exempt (~228,000).
No new commitment certificates accepted after June 30, 2025. New pilot program expected later in 2026.
Faster credential recognition for inter-provincial workers + prohibition on requiring “Canadian experience” in job ads.
In-Canada applicants must hold valid work permit; lower-skilled must reside in Alberta; community endorsement caps introduced.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
408,000 total study permits: ~155,000 for new students and ~253,000 for extensions and returning students. This represents a ~7% reduction from 2025.
No. Since January 1, 2026, students in master’s or doctoral programs at public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement and are not counted toward the annual cap.
PhD applicants can receive a decision in as little as 2 weeks if the complete application and biometrics are submitted together online.
Single applicant (outside Quebec): CAD $22,895 per year + tuition. Additional family members require ~CAD $6,000 each. Quebec has different requirements.
Yes — up to 24 hours per week during academic terms (increased from 20 hours in late 2024). No additional permit required if conditions are met.
No new applications are being accepted. Existing commitment certificate holders had until June 30, 2025 to apply. A new pilot is expected in 2026.
Yes — IRCC typically announces the next year’s levels plan in November. Temporary resident targets continue to decline toward <5% of population. Monitor the official IRCC website closely.
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Free Assessment Contact UsPublished: January 21, 2026 • Data based on IRCC announcements & reputable news sources
Disclaimer: Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify with the official IRCC website. Professional advice recommended for individual cases.
