Canada Study Permit 2026: New Cap, SDS Closure and How Pakistani Students Can Still Get Approved
Canada cut study permits by 50% and closed SDS. Pakistani students need PAL, CAD 23,448 proof of funds. Here is how to still get approved.
What is Canada's 2026 study permit cap?
Canada imposed a national study permit cap of 408,000 for 2026, with only 155,000 allocated to new arrivals — a roughly 50% reduction from previous years. Master's and doctoral students are exempt from the cap and PAL requirement.
| Category | Cap/Quota | PAL Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 155,000 (new arrivals) | Yes |
| Master's | Exempt from cap | No |
| Doctoral | Exempt from cap | No |
| Returning students | Within remaining 253,000 | Varies by province |
What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
The PAL is now mandatory for most undergraduate applications. Your DLI issues the PAL once you have an offer and paid any deposit. Ontario and British Columbia typically issue PALs within 2-4 weeks.
How much proof of funds do I need?
You must show CAD 23,448 (approximately PKR 47,00,000) for the first year, plus tuition and travel. The most reliable approach is purchasing a GIC of CAD 20,635 plus paying first-year tuition directly to the DLI.
| Financial Requirement | Amount | PKR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Living expenses (1 year) | CAD 23,448 | ~PKR 47,00,000 |
| GIC | CAD 20,635 | ~PKR 41,00,000 |
| Tuition (first year) | Varies by DLI | CAD 15,000–40,000 |
| Travel costs | CAD 1,000–2,000 | ~PKR 2,00,000–4,00,000 |
Why was SDS closed and what replaced it?
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was permanently closed. It previously offered 20-day processing. All applications now go through standard processing (8-16 weeks). IRCC introduced the Student Priority Program for institutions with high compliance rates.
What are the top reasons study permits get refused?
Common refusal reasons include insufficient proof of funds, weak ties to Pakistan, inconsistent travel history, poor academic progression, and inadequate language proficiency. A strong SOP significantly improves your chances.
When should I apply for September 2026 intake?
Submit your PAL and study permit application by March-April 2026 for September intake. For January 2027, submit by August-September 2026. Processing takes 8-16 weeks.
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