Canada Discloses Study Permit Distribution by Province and New PAL Details

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled the 2025 provincial allocation for permits, clarifying how many international students each province is projected to accommodate. Details on the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement were also shared. Exploring study opportunities in Canada shows a forecast of 437,000 study permits to be issued in 2025, marking a 10% reduction from 2024. This quota introduced the Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to manage the cap efficiently. A comprehensive breakdown of study permits by student category for 2025 was also released, highlighting those needing a PAL and those exempt.

For 2025, 73,282 study permits will be allocated to graduate degree students, making up 16.77% of total permits. These permits cover master’s and doctoral degrees. Previously, the government aimed to reserve around 12% of permits for such students. Apart from these, 242,994 study permits are projected for other PAL-requiring students, including applicants for post-secondary permits and those in non-degree graduate programs like certificates and graduate diplomas.

The breakdown per province outlines expected study permits for PAL-requiring students. For example, Ontario is set to issue 116,740 permits, while Quebec will handle 72,977. IRCC revealed the maximum number of applications to be processed per province, totaling 550,162 applications for students needing a PAL or TAL. This aligns allocations with each province’s 2023 and 2024 approval rates.

New PAL requirements came into effect on January 24, 2025, mandating master’s and doctoral students submit PAL letters, unlike previously. Exchange students will join those exempt from PAL/TAL, along with primary and secondary students, certain priority groups, and current study permit holders extending at the same institution and study level.

This capping aligns with Canada’s goal of reducing temporary resident numbers relative to its population, as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027. This plan incorporated targets for temporary residents, inclusive of study permit holders and International Mobility Program work permit holders. With permit targets set at 305,900 for 2025, alongside adjustments in open work permits and PGWP requirements, a decline in foreign national arrivals under the IMP is anticipated.

In summary, these measures reflect Canada’s strategy to refine its temporary resident intake, balancing educational opportunities with manageable immigration levels.

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