First, let’s welcome changes with hopes, expectations, and optimism. There is nothing to be afraid of. We know that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented plenty of changes regarding the issuance of visas for international students. ICCC is here to clear all your doubts and provide you with an in-depth analysis of new regulations in Canada for 2025.
What is a CAP?
In Canadian immigration, a CAP is a limit on the number of new study permits issued to international students. Simply, it will accept less number of students than previously. The CAP is a temporary measure to manage population growth and ensure the integrity of the international student program.
What is a PAL/TAL?
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)/Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) is a document issued by the province or territory where an international student plans to study. The purpose of the PAL is to ensure that the number of international students in Canada is managed effectively. There is a specific student visa allocation set for each province and territory. Thus, it is also important to consider the number of seats available in each province in Canada before planning to apply to Canada. PAL confirms the student’s acceptance by a designated learning institution (DLI) and is required for most study permit applications under Canada’s international student cap.
PALs/TALS each province and territory allocated for 2025
You may ask how much? Is there any specific number? Of course, there is. Here’s how many PALs/TALS each province and territory has been allocated for 2025:
Alberta
Allocations for Graduate Students: 5,256
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 42,082
Total Allocations: 47,338
British Columbia
Allocations for Graduate Students: 28,333
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 47,754
Total Allocations: 76,087
Manitoba
Allocations for Graduate Students: 1,980
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 16,611
Total Allocations: 18,591
New Brunswick
Allocations for Graduate Students: 3,112
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 11,673
Total Allocations: 14,785
Newfoundland and Labrador
Allocations for Graduate Students: 2,648
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 6,534
Total Allocations: 9,182
Northwest Territories
Allocations for Graduate Students: 0
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 705
Total Allocations: 705
Nova Scotia
Allocations for Graduate Students: 4,191
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 14,411
Total Allocations: 18,602
Allocations for Graduate Students: 0
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 0
Total Allocations: 0
Ontario
Allocations for Graduate Students: 32,579
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 149,011
Total Allocations: 181,590
Prince Edward Island
Allocations for Graduate Students: 391
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 2,044
Total Allocations: 2,435
Quebec
Allocations for Graduate Students: 38,786
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 123,956
Total Allocations: 162,742
Saskatchewan
Allocations for Graduate Students: 2,791
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 14,850
Total Allocations: 17,641
Yukon
Allocations for Graduate Students: 1
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 463
Total Allocations: 464
Overall Totals
Allocations for Graduate Students: 120,068
Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students: 430,094
Grand Total Allocations: 550,162
Tips for Applying for a PAL/TAL and Study Permit in 2025
To improve their chances of securing a study permit, students should consider the following tips:
Apply as Early as Possible: Submitting an early application can significantly increase success rates, as provincial allocations for study permits may fill up quickly. Early submission ensures students secure a place before their chosen institution or province reaches its limit.
Choose a Public Institution: The study permit allocations will mostly go to publicly assisted colleges and universities, with only a few allocated to language schools, private universities, and other institutions.
Select a Course That is in Demand in Canada: Choose programs related to in-demand fields such as STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Carpentry, Welding, Heating, Refrigeration, and Ventilation, Agriculture, Supply-chain, and Mechanics. Studying in high-demand sectors can enhance employability and post-graduation work opportunities in Canada.
If you are a student planning to enroll in one of the institutes in Canada. Even reduced, this is yet a huge number. You still can make it into this number. All you need is proper guidance and documentation. Do not let your poor documentation and inappropriate planning lead to visa refusal. Canada remains a top destination for international students.
ICCC has an expert team of counselors, documentation officers, SOP specialists, and IRCC officials. We request you to visit our nearest office and plan your career with us.
