Canada has introduced measures to make the study permit process more accessible for international graduate students, including applicants from Pakistan. Doctoral students applying from outside Canada can have their study permit applications processed within two weeks, while eligible master’s and doctoral students at public Canadian institutions no longer need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from January 1, 2026.
The measures are part of Canada’s effort to attract international graduate students and researchers while reducing the overall number of new international students entering the country. The faster processing commitment specifically applies to doctoral students and their eligible family members.
Two-Week Processing for Doctoral Students
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), study permit applications from doctoral students can be processed within two weeks under the faster-processing measure. Applicants must still meet the normal study permit requirements and obtain admission to a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI).
The two-week timeframe should therefore not be interpreted as a guaranteed visa approval. It refers to the targeted processing time for eligible doctoral study permit applications.
PAL/TAL Requirement Removed for Eligible Graduate Students
Since January 1, 2026, students enrolling in degree-granting master’s or doctoral programmes at public DLIs do not need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter with their study permit application.
However, students still need a valid letter of acceptance from their institution and must meet other study permit requirements. Students planning to study in Quebec must also meet the province’s separate requirements, including the Quebec Acceptance Certificate where applicable.
Family and Post-Study Options
Eligible family members can apply to accompany graduate students to Canada, with applications potentially processed together. Canada also provides pathways for eligible graduates to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit, depending on the programme and other requirements.
The Canadian government has said the graduate-focused measures are intended to attract highly skilled students and researchers while supporting innovation and economic growth.
Canada Continues to Limit Overall Student Intake
The changes for graduate students come alongside broader measures to reduce the number of international students entering Canada. For 2026, the government expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits, including 155,000 for newly arriving international students and 253,000 extensions for current and returning students.
Important: The measures are not a general two-week visa guarantee for Pakistani students. The faster processing commitment is specifically for eligible doctoral students, while the PAL/TAL exemption applies to eligible master’s and doctoral students enrolled at public DL