Graduate Study Permits in Canada: Cap Exemption and 2‑Week PhD Processing

Canada has become an even more attractive destination for international graduate students, thanks to landmark study permit updates. Starting January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public Canadian institutions will be exempt from the federal study permit cap, while PhD students will benefit from ultra-fast two-week application processing. At Sayal Immigration, our team guides students and families in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Kitchener, Scarborough, and London Ontario through every step of this new process.

What Changed for Master’s and PhD Students

Cap Exemption from January 1, 2026

Graduate students pursuing a master’s or PhD at a Canadian public institution can now apply for study permits without worrying about the country’s cap on permits or the need for a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL). This policy change means you won’t risk missing out due to quota limits and don’t need to pay a hefty upfront deposit just to secure your spot before applying for your permit. Learn more about IRCC’s study permit requirements.

Two‑Week Processing for PhD Applicants

Doctoral applicants applying from outside Canada now qualify for expedited two-week study permit processing. Your spouse or partner and dependent children can benefit from fast-tracked work or study visas if their applications are submitted together, making it much easier for families to begin life in Canada as a unit. Official IRCC page for PhD processing

Who Qualifies (and Who Still Needs a PAL/TAL)

You’re Exempt If:

You’re admitted to a master’s or PhD program at a public Canadian institution starting January 1, 2026 or later.
You apply with all required documents, including Letter of Acceptance, proof of funds, and passport.

Check if your school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

You Likely Still Need a PAL/TAL If:

You’re studying at the undergraduate level, doing a postgraduate certificate/diploma, or attending a private institution.
You are switching programs or reapplying after a refusal (always confirm with your institution).

Full IRCC PAL/TAL guidance here.

Required Documents for Graduate Study Permit Applications

Always Needed

Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI
Valid passport and identity documents
Proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses
Recent photos meeting IRCC specifications

See IRCC’s up-to-date application checklist.

Sometimes Needed

Upfront medical exam (if required for your program length or previous country of residence)
Police certificates
Country/visa office-specific documents
Proof of custody for accompanying minors

Panel physicians list for medicals (IRCC)

Applying with Sayal Immigration: Ontario’s Graduate Student Specialists

Whether you’re applying for a study permit in Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Kitchener, or Scarborough, Sayal Immigration makes your journey smooth and compliant.

Our Local RCIC Services Include:

Reviewing school choices and confirming your cap exemption
Document prep for Toronto (U of T, York), Mississauga (UTM/Sheridan), Brampton, Kitchener, and Scarborough universities/colleges
Helping families of PhD students file together for two-week processing
Coaching for personal statements and SOPs
Guidance on PGWP planning and PR eligibility for graduate students

Explore all our immigration consultant services in Canada.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Graduate Study Permit

Confirm your exemption: Review your program and institution status—public master’s/PhD from January 2026 onwards is key.
Gather core documents: LOA, proof of funds, passport/ID, compliant photos.
Prepare supporting evidence: Letter of explanation, medical exam, police certificate if required.
Apply for all family members together if pursuing a PhD: This enables expedited processing.
Apply online via the IRCC portal and double-check your files for completeness.
Track your application: Respond quickly to any additional document requests or biometrics instructions.

Create your IRCC account to apply

Looking Ahead: Graduate Studies, PGWP and PR

A key benefit for master’s and PhD students at public institutions is their continued eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Completing PGWP-eligible programs in cities like Toronto or Kitchener sets you up for Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) options—major pathways to Canadian permanent residence.

Express Entry overview (IRCC) PNP info (IRCC)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do all master’s/PhD students avoid the cap and PAL/TAL?

All master’s and doctoral students at public institutions (starting with cohorts entering Jan 2026+) are exempt. Always confirm your program type and institution’s public status before applying.

Q2: How do PhD applicants get two-week processing?

You must apply online from outside Canada and submit all documents (plus those of any eligible family) with your principal application.

Q3: Can private-college grad students skip the cap?

No—most private institution programs are still subject to the cap and PAL/TAL requirements unless IRCC specifies an exemption.

Q4: How does this affect PGWP eligibility?

Public-university master’s and doctorates remain strong PGWP choices. Private programs require careful review for compliance.

Q5: Can Sayal Immigration help families bundle applications?

Absolutely; our consultants ensure your spouse/partner and dependents are included if you qualify, maximizing approval speed and success.

Express Entry for Couples: Should You List Your Partner?

For many couples, applying for Canada Permanent Residency (PR) through Express Entry is both exciting and nerve-wracking. One of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to list your spouse or partner as “accompanying” or “non-accompanying.” This choice can influence your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, your proof of funds requirement, and even your timeline to reunite in Canada. At Sayal Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this very question—and each case can look a little different. Let’s break it down in simple, practical terms.

What Does “Accompanying” vs “Non-Accompanying” Mean?

When you create your Express Entry profile, you’ll be asked if your spouse or common-law partner is coming with you to Canada right away.

Accompanying partner: They will immigrate at the same time as you.
Non-accompanying partner: They won’t initially move with you but can be sponsored later once you’re a permanent resident.

👉 Official definition: IRCC – Express Entry overview.

How Your Decision Impacts CRS Points

Here’s the catch: your CRS score can change depending on whether your partner is listed as accompanying.

If your spouse has strong English or French skills, higher education, or Canadian work experience, you may score more points by listing them as accompanying.
If your spouse has lower scores, you may benefit by listing them as non-accompanying—since your own profile is assessed as the “principal applicant.”

At Sayal Immigration, we often see couples in Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton debate this. Our role as an Immigration Consultant in Canada is to calculate both scenarios and see which gives you the best chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Settlement Funds: A Key Consideration

When applying for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades programs, you must show proof of settlement funds unless you have a valid job offer or are applying under Canadian Experience Class.

If your partner is accompanying, you’ll need to show funds for both of you.
If they’re non-accompanying, you only need to show funds for yourself.

👉 Check the official table here: IRCC – Settlement Funds Requirements. One of our clients in Kitchener saved months of delay by listing her spouse as non-accompanying. This lowered her required funds, helped her application move forward, and she later sponsored her spouse to join her in Canada.

Can You Sponsor Your Spouse Later?

Yes. Even if you list your spouse as non-accompanying, you can still sponsor them once you land in Canada as a permanent resident.

You’ll apply through the Family Class Sponsorship Program.
Processing typically takes 12 months (though timelines vary).
Your spouse will need to undergo medical exams and background checks just like any other applicant.

👉 Official guide: IRCC – Spouse/Common-law Sponsorship Guide. At Sayal Immigration, our Immigration Consultant in Scarborough often advises couples on this pathway, especially when maximizing CRS points is the first priority.

Risks of Misrepresentation

A word of caution: never try to hide your marriage or relationship status. If you fail to declare your spouse—even if they’re not immigrating with you—it can be considered misrepresentation. 👉 See: IRCC – Misrepresentation in Immigration Applications. Misrepresentation can lead to a 5-year ban from applying for immigration programs. The safest option is to declare your spouse truthfully, then strategically decide whether to include them as accompanying or not.

Which Option is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some scenarios:

Spouse has high CRS factors (education, language, Canadian work): List as accompanying.
Spouse has weaker CRS factors, but you need higher score to qualify: List as non-accompanying.
Couple facing financial pressure to meet proof of funds: Non-accompanying may lower settlement fund requirements.

We’ve worked with families in London Ontario and Mississauga who faced this very decision. Some chose to immigrate together, while others delayed a spouse’s move by a year but ultimately reunited in Canada. Both paths can work—with the right strategy.

FAQs on Express Entry Couples

1. Can I switch my spouse from non-accompanying to accompanying after receiving PR? No, but you can sponsor them later through spousal sponsorship. 2. Do I need to show extra funds if my spouse is not immigrating? No, settlement funds are based only on the number of accompanying family members. 3. Will listing my spouse as non-accompanying affect our relationship status? Not at all. You’ll still declare them as your spouse; the difference is only in their initial move. 4. What if my spouse is medically inadmissible? Sometimes applicants list their spouse as non-accompanying to avoid refusal. Each case should be reviewed carefully. 5. Should I get professional advice before deciding? Yes. Because the CRS score and proof of funds requirements change every year, an experienced Immigration Consultant in Toronto or Immigration Consultant in Brampton can guide you.

Final Thoughts

Immigrating as a couple through Express Entry is one of the most important choices you’ll make. Whether you decide on an accompanying or non-accompanying partner depends on your CRS profile, settlement funds, and family goals. At Sayal Immigration, we provide personalized guidance for couples across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Kitchener, London Ontario, and Scarborough. With years of experience as trusted Immigration Consultants in Canada, we help you choose the right path, avoid mistakes, and reunite your family in Canada successfully.

Sayal Immigration

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Graduate study permits: cap exemption and 2-week PhD processing