Canada simplifies study permit process for graduate students
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), graduate students accounted for 21% of new study permits issued between January and June 2026.
The figure was 12% during the same period last year.
The change comes as Canada continues to reduce the overall number of international students entering the country.
International student numbers decline
The number of international students Canada receives has fallen sharply in recent years.
The country’s international student population has dropped by about one-third since 2024.
New arrivals between January and June 2026 also fell 82% compared with the same period in 2024.
Despite the overall reduction, Canada is placing greater focus on university-level education.
The share of new study permit holders attending universities rose from 30% in 2024 to 40% in 2025.
This shift has created more opportunities for master’s students Canada and other graduate applicants.
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Faster processing for doctoral applicants
Most eligible graduate students can benefit from simpler processing under the updated approach.
For eligible PhD students Canada, the process could be particularly quick, with some applications potentially being processed within two weeks.
Another important change took effect on January 1, 2026.
Eligible master’s students Canada and doctoral students attending public institutions have been exempt from the provincial or territorial attestation letter requirement.
This means eligible applicants do not need to obtain the additional document when submitting their study permit applications.
Family members may also join students
The updated approach may also benefit families.
Some eligible graduate students can bring qualifying family members with them while they study in Canada.
This can provide additional support for students who plan to remain in the country throughout their academic programmes.
After graduation, eligible students may also qualify for a post-graduation work permit.
The option can allow graduates to gain work experience in Canada after completing their studies.
Canada focuses on graduate education
The government says it wants to attract highly talented researchers and graduate students from around the world.
The Canada study visa changes are part of this wider focus on higher-level education.
For eligible international students Canada, the updated process may offer a more straightforward route to graduate studies.
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The Canada study permit process has also become more streamlined for eligible applicants, particularly those entering public institutions.
For Canada student visa applicants, however, eligibility requirements still need to be met before approval.
The changes could make Canada more accessible to qualified master’s students Canada who are looking for advanced education.
For PhD students Canada, faster processing could also reduce the waiting period in eligible cases.
