How are new Canadian immigration regulations affecting international students?
New Canadian immigration rules cap 2026 study permits near 155,000, require a Provincial Attestation Letter for most students, and have tightened Work Permit eligibility to specific in demand sectors. You can no longer switch schools on the same permit, and it becomes invalid 90 days after your program ends.
If you are planning to study in Canada now, you are entering a system built around far fewer permits and much stricter compliance than a couple of years ago. You need a Provincial Attestation Letter for most programs, your work permit eligibility depends heavily on your specific field, and your study permit itself expires just 90 days after you finish your course.
Key Rules You Need To Know
| Rule | What It Means For You |
|---|---|
| Study permit cap | Around 155,000 new permits allowed in 2026 |
| Attestation letter | Required for most programs, not for master's or PhD |
| PGWP eligibility | Tied to genuine labour shortage fields now |
| School transfers | You need a brand new permit to switch institutions |
What This Changes For Your Plans
- Your study permit becomes invalid 90 days after you finish your program, so plan your next visa step early.
- Working without authorisation or missing academic conditions now carries a much higher cancellation risk.
- Choose your program and college carefully upfront, since changing your mind later means a fresh application.
My Advice
Pick your college and program with real intent to finish there, since switching later has become far more costly under the new rules. Mark your 90 day post graduation deadline on your calendar the moment you receive your offer letter, and start your work permit or next steps well before your program actually ends.
How long can you stay and work after a Canadian master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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