Province responds to federal reduction in student permits by strengthening key sectors
In response to the federal government’s decision to further reduce the number of international students permitted to study in Canada in 2026, the Ontario government is continuing to allocate Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to programs that prepare graduates for in-demand jobs and strengthen Ontario’s workforce.
“Now more than ever, our government is focused on building a dynamic, highly skilled workforce that will protect and drive our economy,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “As we have been since the beginning, we will continue to work alongside our colleges and universities to ensure they can keep delivering the world-class education that Ontario is proudly known for, enabling students to launch good-paying, rewarding careers that our province needs to remain the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7.”
For 2026, Ontario has been allocated 104,780 PALs, which is capped at 70,074 permits for students intending to study at Ontario’s postsecondary institutions. This marks a 42 per cent reduction from 2025, and the third straight year that Ontario’s allocation has been reduced. Starting this year, graduate students at publicly assisted colleges and universities will not require a PAL but will be counted under Ontario’s total cap for international study permits.
In determining its 2026 allocations, Ontario continues to prioritize programs that produce the graduates Ontario’s key industries need to thrive. As in previous years, publicly assisted colleges and universities will receive 96 per cent of the allocations, with the remaining 4 per cent going to Ontario’s language schools, private universities and other institutions. Following the success of the midyear voluntary return of unused PALs this year, Ontario will continue this practice in 2026, ensuring maximum usage of the province’s allocation.
Amid federal policy changes that continue to destabilize Canada’s postsecondary sector, the Ontario government is making record setting investments into the province’s colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes, including nearly $1 billion through Budget 2025 to fund over 100,000 more seats in programs such as construction, teaching, nursing, and STEM. The government is also currently working alongside Ontario’s postsecondary partners to modernize the funding model into a more responsive, sustainable, and future-ready framework.
Building on its 2025 allocation methodology, Ontario is protecting the integrity of the postsecondary education system by ensuring the province is attracting the best and brightest students who will make a positive impact in Ontario’s critical, economy driving sectors during their careers.
Quick Facts
- For 2026, Ontario has been allocated 104,780 PALs, a 42 per cent reduction from 2025, with a cap of 70,074 permits for international students.
- In 2025, Ontario was allocated 181,590 PALs, with a target of 116,740 permits.
- In 2024, Ontario was allocated 235,000 PALs, with a target of 141,000 permits.
- As of 2026, master’s and doctoral students applying to public colleges and universities are exempt from the PAL requirement but will be included in overall cap allocation. Graduate students applying to private institutions will continue to be subject to PAL requirements.
- To acquire an attestation letter to study in Ontario, students should contact the admissions office at the Ontario postsecondary institution where they have accepted their offer of admission and intend to enrol. Students can also visit the ministry website for more information.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
