For many years, Canada's study-permit system placed few overall limits on how many new international students could come each year. That changed in 2024, when the government introduced a national cap on new study permits together with several related requirements. The stated goal was to ease pressure on housing and services and to improve oversight of the institutions enrolling international students.
The cap and how it works
The cap sets a national ceiling on new study-permit approvals for a period, and that ceiling is divided among the provinces and territories. Each province then manages its share, often by deciding which institutions and programs receive allocations. The practical effect is that a place in a program no longer guarantees a study permit — the province and the cap both sit between the acceptance letter and the permit.
Provincial Attestation Letters
To enforce the cap, most college and undergraduate applicants must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) — a document from the province or territory confirming the applicant is counted within that province's allocation. Without a required attestation letter, IRCC will generally return or refuse the application. Some applicants are exempt from the attestation-letter requirement, such as certain master's and doctoral students and primary and secondary school students, though the exact list of exemptions has been adjusted.
Higher proof of funds
Separately, the financial requirement — the amount of money a student must show to cover living costs beyond tuition — was increased significantly, after being unchanged for many years. The figure is set by the government and is intended to reflect the real cost of living, so it can be updated again. Applicants should confirm the current amount rather than relying on older guides.
Knock-on effects
The changes did not stop at the permit itself. Rules around who can work while studying, and the later Post-Graduation Work Permit that many students count on, were also tightened in the same period. A program that once led smoothly from study permit to work permit to permanent residence may now have new conditions at each step. Because these pieces connect, a change to one can affect the value of the whole plan.
What this means for applicants
- Confirm whether your specific program and institution can issue what you need — including an attestation letter if required.
- Check the current proof-of-funds figure for the province where you will study.
- Do not assume last year's rules still apply; the cap levels and exemptions have already been revised more than once.
- Plan the full path, not just the study permit, because the work-permit rules that follow have also changed.
Takeaway: Study-permit rules changed significantly and continue to be updated. Confirm the current cap, whether your program needs an attestation letter, and the financial requirement for your province before applying or enrolling.
This article is general information for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice on your situation, book a consultation.