According to details, the Canadian government has streamlined the study permit procedure to attract highly qualified international students, particularly those seeking postgraduate education, despite an overall decline in the number of international students in the country.
Canada’s immigration department said study permit applications from PhD candidates would receive decisions within two weeks.
In addition, as of January 1, 2026, students enrolled in master’s and PhD programmes at public institutions are exempt from providing a provincial or territorial attestation letter.
Graduate students will also be allowed to bring eligible family members with them to Canada, while they may qualify for a post-graduation work permit after completing their studies.
Official figures show that the overall number of international students in Canada has fallen by around one-third compared with 2024. However, the share of graduate students has increased to 21 percent, up from 12 percent the previous year.
The Canadian government said the policy changes are aimed at attracting top researchers and highly talented students from around the world.