IRCC has announced a number of changes for international Grad students and launched a dedicated study permit page outlining these changes on November 6, 2025.
Faster study permit processing for PhD students
If you are enroling in a doctoral degree program and applying for a study permit from outside of Canada, then you could receive a 2-week processing for your application. This prioritized processing would also extend to immediate family members included in your application (spouse/common-law partner, dependent children).
Please note:
- PhD students applying from inside Canada would not benefit from this policy.
- The 2-week processing would only begin after you have given your biometrics and your DLI has verified your offer of admission/letter of acceptance with IRCC.
- Applications that are considered more complex (due to additional medical or security screening, for example) would not be processed in 2 weeks.
Master’s and PhD Programs Exempt from PAL in 2026
Starting on January 1, 2026, Master’s and PhD students applying for a study permit will not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their application. However, Master’s and PhD students submitting a study permit application before January 1, 2026 will still require a valid PAL under the 2025 rules.