Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled its 2025 study permit allocation, providing insight into the distribution of international students across provinces. The report also sheds light on the new requirements for Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs), which are integral to the application process.
The federal government aims to issue approximately 437,000 study permits in 2025, reflecting a 10% reduction compared to 2024. This policy aligns with broader immigration goals and introduces specific guidelines for various student categories. Below is a detailed look at the key updates, provincial quotas, and PAL requirements.
2025 Study Permit Allocation
The total study permits projected for 2025 are categorized as follows:
- Graduate Degree Students: 73,282
- Kindergarten to Grade 12 Applicants (PAL/TAL-exempt): 72,200
- All Other PAL/TAL-exempt Applicants: 48,524
- Remaining PAL/TAL-required Cohorts: 242,994
Graduate Degree Students
IRCC has allocated 16.77% of the total permits to graduate degree students, encompassing master’s and doctoral programs. This amounts to 73,282 permits, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on advanced education.
PAL/TAL-Required Cohorts
The remaining 242,994 permits are designated for students requiring PALs, including those pursuing post-secondary education and non-degree graduate programs, such as certificate courses and graduate diplomas.
Provincial and Territorial Breakdown
The IRCC has provided a detailed provincial allocation for study permits, outlining expectations for graduate students and those requiring PALs or TALs. Below is the distribution:
| Province/Territory | Graduate Students | Remaining PAL/TAL Cohorts | Total Permits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 3,887 | 28,773 | 32,660 |
| British Columbia | 20,053 | 33,536 | 53,589 |
| Manitoba | 1,224 | 8,797 | 10,021 |
| New Brunswick | 1,400 | 5,030 | 6,430 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 1,456 | 3,208 | 4,664 |
| Northwest Territories | 0 | 220 | 220 |
| Nova Scotia | 1,954 | 6,343 | 8,297 |
| Nunavut | 0 | 220 | 220 |
| Ontario | 21,841 | 94,899 | 116,740 |
| Prince Edward Island | 205 | 1,045 | 1,250 |
| Quebec | 19,683 | 53,294 | 72,977 |
| Saskatchewan | 1,578 | 7,291 | 8,869 |
| Yukon | 1 | 338 | 339 |
This breakdown highlights Ontario as the leading province for study permits, with 116,740 allocations, followed by Quebec and British Columbia.
Maximum Application Allocations
IRCC has capped the number of study permit applications to be processed for PAL/TAL-required students. The total allocations for 2025 are:
| Province/Territory | Graduate Students | All Other PAL/TAL Students | Total Allocations |
| Alberta | 5,256 | 42,082 | 47,338 |
| British Columbia | 28,333 | 47,754 | 76,087 |
| Manitoba | 1,980 | 16,611 | 18,591 |
| New Brunswick | 3,112 | 11,673 | 14,785 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 2,648 | 6,534 | 9,182 |
| Northwest Territories | 0 | 705 | 705 |
| Nova Scotia | 4,191 | 14,411 | 18,602 |
| Nunavut | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ontario | 32,579 | 149,011 | 181,590 |
| Prince Edward Island | 391 | 2,044 | 2,435 |
| Quebec | 38,786 | 123,956 | 162,742 |
| Saskatchewan | 2,791 | 14,850 | 17,641 |
| Yukon | 1 | 463 | 464 |
New PAL Requirements
Starting January 24, 2025, master’s and doctoral students are now required to submit PALs as part of their study permit applications. Previously, these groups were exempt. This change underscores IRCC’s effort to streamline the process and ensure accountability.
Exemptions
Certain groups remain exempt from the PAL or TAL requirements:
- Kindergarten to Grade 12 students.
- Government of Canada priority groups and vulnerable cohorts.
- Existing study permit holders applying for an extension at the same DLI and level of study.
- Exchange students.
Background and Rationale
The reduction in study permit allocations aligns with Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, which introduced temporary resident caps. The goal is to manage temporary resident levels, contributing to a balanced population growth strategy. The 2025 plan targets 305,900 student arrivals and 285,750 work permit admissions under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
The cap also reflects tightened requirements for family open work permits and Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP). These measures aim to achieve a sustainable immigration framework while addressing labor market needs.
