Canada Study Permit 2027: What Changed and What Didn’t

Canada changed its student rules more in 2024 and 2025 than in the decade before. If you are planning a 2027 start, you need to know which of those changes still apply, which have been relaxed, and what is still unknown. This guide sticks to what IRCC's own pages say as of October 2026.

What changed and what didn't

The cap and the attestation letter

Since 2024, Canada has limited the number of study permit applications it accepts each year and shared the spaces out between provinces and territories. Each province proves you have one of its spaces by issuing a PAL (or TAL in a territory) through your college or university. A PAL is valid only for the cap year it was issued in: one issued for 2026 is valid until 31 December 2026, and you can't use it for an application in a later cap year.

The biggest change for Indian students going for a Master's: from 1 January 2026, students in a degree-granting Master's or doctoral program at a public designated learning institution (DLI) do not need a PAL/TAL. If you are applying to a private institution, a college certificate or diploma, or an undergraduate degree, you still need one. IRCC's PAL page also lists smaller exemptions, such as exchange students who pay no tuition to the DLI.

What about the numbers? IRCC's 2025 annual report to Parliament sets out its levels plan for 2026 to 2028, with these targets for new study permits (for courses of six months or more):

The government says it wants the temporary population below 5% of Canada's population by the end of 2027, and immigration ministers met in June 2026 to discuss the 2027 to 2029 levels plan. Until that plan is published, treat the 2027 figure as provisional.

Proof of funds for 2026–27

You must show you can pay your first year's tuition, travel to and from Canada, and living costs. IRCC's living-cost amounts for applications outside Quebec submitted on or after 1 September 2026 are below. Rupee figures use C$1 = ₹67.98, from the Bank of Canada's daily rate for 30 October 2026.

These amounts do not include tuition or transport, which you must show on top. IRCC updates them every year, so a student applying after 1 September 2027 should expect a new figure. Quebec sets its own amounts. For ways to fund this, see our guides to education loans, scholarships and moving money abroad.

Working while you study

If your study permit allows it, you can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during regular academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as the summer and winter holidays.

If you plan to bring a spouse or partner, check the rules before you choose a program. Since 21 January 2025, a spouse or common-law partner can get an open work permit only if you are in a Master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, or certain professional degrees (such as medicine, law, engineering, nursing or education). A one-year Master's does not qualify.

After graduation: the PGWP

The post-graduation work permit is why many students choose Canada. The rules for university degree holders have not changed this year:

• Length: a Master's program of at least 8 months can lead to a PGWP of up to 3 years, even if the program was shorter than 2 years. For most other programs under 2 years, the PGWP can be as long as the program; programs of 2 years or more can get 3 years.
• Field of study: there are no field-of-study requirements for bachelor's, Master's or doctoral graduates. College and other non-degree graduates must have studied an eligible field if they applied for their study permit on or after 1 November 2024. IRCC says that for 2026 it won't add or remove any eligible fields.
• Language: university graduates need CLB 7 in all four skills; college graduates need CLB 5.
• Timing: you apply within 180 days of getting confirmation that you completed your program. The fee is C$255 (work permit plus open work permit holder fee).

What we don't know yet about 2027

• The 2027–2029 levels plan. It may change the 150,000 target for 2027.
• PAL allocations for 2027 for students who still need a letter.
• Proof of funds from September 2027. IRCC updates the amount each year.
• Any new PGWP field-of-study changes after 2026. These affect college graduates, not degree holders.

We will update this guide when IRCC publishes these. In the meantime, the safest choice for a 2027 start is a Master's at a public university: no PAL, no field-of-study risk for the PGWP and a 3-year PGWP if the program lasts at least 8 months. Explore Canadian postgraduate programs or read our Canada study guide.