Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled a potential shift toward sustainable growth in Canada's immigration targets, pointing to positive possibilities for international students planning their studies.
In a September 29, 2026 interview with The New York Times, Carney said: "Now the question starts to become, when do we resume some controlled increase in the population, which is the nature of Canada? So that will happen, and we just want to make sure that we've got it under control." This is one of the clearest signals yet that Canada is preparing to grow its immigration numbers again after several years of cuts.
But what does this mean for you right now? Study permit caps are still in place for 2026. The next steps depend on what Canada's new 2027–2029 immigration levels plan says, and that plan must be published by November 1, 2026.
Stay ahead of Canada immigration news
ApplyBoard counsellors track every policy update. Sign up today to get personalized guidance on your study permit and next steps.
What did Prime Minister Carney say about Canada's immigration increase?
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with the New York Times on September 29, 2026. He confirmed that the Canada immigration system is stable and the government is now planning for growth. Carney said the question is no longer whether Canada will increase immigration. The question is when.
This follows a statement Carney made in July 2026, when he said Canada had "taken back control" of its immigration system. After several years of rapid growth under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada introduced strict cuts to slow the number of people arriving. Now, with non-permanent residents at 6.7% of the population (about 2.78 million people out of Canada's 41.8 million), the government says the system is stable enough to plan for growth again.
Note: Carney did not announce specific new immigration numbers in this interview. Any changes to official targets will only be confirmed when the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan is tabled in Parliament, no later than November 1, 2026. Source: IRCC Immigration Levels Plan page.
Immigration Minister Lena Diab is responsible for the new levels plan. The plan will set Canada's official immigration targets for 2027, 2028, and 2029.
What is Canada's current immigration policy for international students?
Canada's current policy for international students includes a cap on study permits. For 2026, Canada plans to issue up to 408,000 study permits in total. Of those, 155,000 are for new international students arriving in Canada. The remaining 253,000 are extensions for students already studying in Canada.
This represents a 7% reduction from 2025, which itself was lower than 2024. The cuts are part of Canada's plan to reduce its temporary resident population from 6.7% to below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027.
Tip! Some students are exempt from the cap. If you are applying for a master's or doctoral degree at a public college or university, you do not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and the cap does not apply to you. Primary and secondary school students are also exempt. Check with your ApplyBoard counsellor to confirm your status.
The 2026 study permit cap applies differently across provinces. Ontario has the largest allocation, with space for about 70,000 new study permits. British Columbia and Alberta also have significant space. Each province sets its own limits through its Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) system.
Source: IRCC 2026 Provincial and Territorial Allocations
Check your study permit eligibility now
Not sure if the cap applies to your program or province? ApplyBoard can check your eligibility and help you apply before spaces fill up.
What does the 2027–2029 immigration levels plan mean for international students?
The 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan is Canada's official roadmap for how many people it will welcome over the next three years. It must be published by November 1, 2026. This plan will cover permanent residents (people who receive Canadian PR status), as well as temporary residents such as international students and workers.
The current 2026–2028 plan sets a target of 380,000 new permanent residents per year. It also aims to reduce the number of temporary residents arriving to 370,000 per year by 2027 and 2028. These measures are designed to stabilize Canada's housing, healthcare, and public services after years of very fast growth.
Note: The 2027–2029 plan will replace the current 2026–2028 plan. It may raise, hold steady, or further adjust immigration numbers. Carney's September 2026 comments suggest the tone is likely to shift toward controlled growth, but specific figures have not been confirmed. Source: IRCC Immigration Levels.
Some policy experts, including the C.D. Howe Institute's immigration targets council, have recommended that Canada continue reducing temporary resident arrivals over the coming years. Their council includes academics, former government officials, and former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. However, Prime Minister Carney's comments suggest the government may have a different direction in mind.
Canada has also introduced targeted one-time pathways for approximately 148,000 people already in the country over two years, including up to 33,000 temporary workers and 115,000 protected persons. Because these applicants are already living in Canada, these transitions operate alongside the core annual Permanent Resident levels targets.
What does this mean if you want to study in Canada?
Canada's immigration increase signal is positive news for international students with long-term plans. It shows that Canada remains committed to welcoming newcomers and sees immigration as part of its national identity. But it is important to understand what this means for your situation right now.
- Study permit caps are still in place for 2026. You must apply with a valid Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if your program and province require one.
- The 2027–2029 levels plan has not been published yet. Changes to study permit caps for 2027 and beyond will only be confirmed after November 1, 2026.
- Carney's comments are a signal, not a policy change. No new numbers have been announced.
- Students in master's or doctoral programs at public Canadian institutions are already exempt from the cap and can apply now.
- Canada's permanent residence pathways remain strong. The government targets 380,000 new permanent residents per year through 2028, with a strong focus on economic immigrants, including international graduates.
Tip! If you are planning to study in Canada and want to stay long-term, look for programs that lead to post-graduation work permits (PGWP) and pathways to permanent residence. Many graduate programs at Canadian universities already qualify, even under the current cap rules.
Disclaimer: Immigration policy changes frequently. The information in this article reflects what was known as of September 30, 2026. Always confirm the latest rules with an authorized immigration adviser or visit the official IRCC website before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Canada has not officially confirmed any changes to international student numbers for 2027. Prime Minister Carney signalled in September 2026 that a controlled immigration increase is being planned, but no specific study permit cap figures for 2027 have been announced. The 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, due by November 1, 2026, will clarify whether study permit targets will rise, stay the same, or fall. Check the official IRCC Immigration Levels page for updates.
Yes. Canada's 2026 study permit cap is still in place. Canada plans to issue approximately 408,000 study permits in total for 2026, including 155,000 for new international students. Most applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from their province before applying. Students in master's or doctoral programs at public institutions, and primary or secondary school students, are exempt from this cap. Source: IRCC 2026 Provincial Allocations.
The 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan is Canada's official three-year roadmap for immigration targets. It covers how many permanent residents and temporary residents Canada will admit each year. By law, the government must publish this plan by November 1, 2026. It will set new targets for study permits, permanent residence, and temporary workers starting in 2027. Once published, you can find it on the IRCC Immigration Levels page.
Yes, you can apply for a Canadian study permit if you have received a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and, if required, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). Applying early is important because provincial permit spaces fill up. Master's and doctoral students at public institutions do not need a PAL and can apply at any time. Talk to your ApplyBoard counsellor to confirm the requirements for your specific program and province. Visit the IRCC study permit page for the latest application guidance.
Canada's message is clear: the door is not closed, and the direction is toward growth. For international students, this is a promising signal. The current caps may ease over time, and the opportunities to study, work, and build a future in Canada remain strong. The best thing you can do right now is to plan ahead, understand the current rules, and apply for your study permit as early as possible.
Plan your study in Canada journey with ApplyBoard
Our counsellors stay up to date on every immigration change so you do not have to. Let us help you find the right program and province, for your future in Canada.