The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant updates to its joint degree study permits.
Effective immediately, the Canadian government has acted to streamline applications for joint degree study permits, removing redundant bureaucratic hurdles for students enrolled in collaborative programs across multiple institutions.
The new policy addresses a pain point for students pursuing joint or dual degrees that involve more than one Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Previously, students often faced confusion regarding which province should issue their Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
Under the updated framework, IRCC has clarified that only a single PAL is required from the primary institution, even if the program requires the student to move between different provinces or territories during their studies.
The IRCC explained that the decision to streamline applications for joint degree study permits is part of a broader strategy to refine the 2026 international student cap, which is set at 155,000 new study permits.
The updated instructions also implement the previously announced exemption from attestation requirements for master’s and doctoral students studying at publicly funded institutions. IRCC clarified that it considers master’s and doctoral programmes to be at the same level of study.
However, visiting students, including visiting graduate students, will still require an attestation letter, as they do not qualify for the exchange student exemption. Students applying for restoration of status must also submit a new attestation.
IRCC provided further clarity on vocational programmes in Quebec that qualify for attestation exemptions, including Diploma of Vocational Studies, Attestation of Vocational Specialization, Pre-Work Training Certificate and Training Certificate for a Semiskilled Trade. Students enrolled at Quebec’s CEGEP institutions will continue to require attestation letters.
Applications submitted without the required attestation will not be accepted and will be returned without processing, with fees refunded. Applications received before January 1, 2026, will be processed under earlier rules.
Canada introduced study permit caps to reduce pressure on housing and social services. The target for international student admissions in 2026 has been set at 155,000, down from 305,900 in 2025. From January to November 2025, Canada admitted 105,870 new study permit holders.
