Adult Students (University and Post-secondary Education)
On November 25, 2025, IRCC announced that Canada expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026: 155,000 for new international students and 253,000 extensions for current students. That is 7% below the 2025 target of 437,000 and 16% below 2024's 485,000.
Read the detailed answer →Most post-secondary study-permit applicants need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL), subject to IRCC’s current exemptions.
Read the detailed answer →A comparable official figure of about 41% covers January to September 2025, not the full calendar year. Third-party analyses may use different periods and categories, so historical rates cannot predict an individual result.
Read the detailed answer →Some short college diploma programs, particularly in business administration, project management and supply-chain management, have faced closer scrutiny where the application appears to be driven by a PGWP or immigration objective rather than a genuine study purpose. Their historical approval rates have often been lower than those for university degree programs.
Read the detailed answer →Common concerns include insufficient or unexplained funds, an unclear study plan, inconsistent documents, weak evidence of the purpose of study or failure to meet document requirements.
Read the detailed answer →A useful letter of explanation connects the student's background, chosen program or school, funding and future plan in a clear, credible account. It should also address any facts an officer may reasonably question.
Read the detailed answer →Canada ended the Student Direct Stream on November 8, 2024. New study-permit applications are assessed through the regular process.
Read the detailed answer →Eligible holders of Hong Kong SAR passports, and eligible Taiwan passport holders whose passport includes a personal identification number, may generally travel to Canada by air with an eTA rather than a visitor visa. An eTA is only a travel document; long-term study still requires a study permit.
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