Starting January 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is going to make your path easier!
From now on:
The cap has been lifted! Masters and PhD students at public universities and institutions (Public DLIs) are no longer subject to the general restriction on issuing study permits without the need for a PAL! You no longer need that annoying provincial letter (PAL/TAL) to come with your family. Your spouse and children can also come with you, and in some programs, your spouse can even get a work visa. Just be careful: this rule will come into effect on January 1, 2026 and is specific to graduate programs at public universities. So if you applied for a master’s or doctoral degree… good news, your path is now open!