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Graduate study permits
November 7, 2025
November 7, 2025

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

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

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

  1. Confirm your exemption: Review your program and institution status—public master’s/PhD from January 2026 onwards is key.

  2. Gather core documents: LOA, proof of funds, passport/ID, compliant photos.

  3. Prepare supporting evidence: Letter of explanation, medical exam, police certificate if required.

  4. Apply for all family members together if pursuing a PhD: This enables expedited processing.

  5. Apply online via the IRCC portal and double-check your files for completeness.

  6. 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.

January 18, 2024
January 18, 2024

High-Demand Jobs in Canada’s Express Entry System

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration, Work Permit

Explore the key to successful immigration in Canada through the Express Entry system. Discover the high-demand jobs in healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture, as identified by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Uncover the strategic category-based selection draws targeting professionals crucial to the Canadian workforce. From nurses and engineers to skilled trades and transport specialists, this comprehensive guide provides insights into not only the sought-after occupations but also the eligibility criteria for a seamless transition to permanent residence. Stay informed, plan your employment journey, and pave the way for a successful settlement in the True North.

Submit the Assessment Form to Discover your Eligibility

Attaining employment marks a crucial milestone for many temporary residents, including those on work, study, or visitor visas, not only for economic stability but also for enhancing eligibility for permanent residence (PR) through various economic pathways.

Given this, newcomers are keen to explore the high-demand jobs in Canada, seeking information that can guide their job search and streamline their immigration journey.

In an effort to align immigration with labor market needs, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced Express Entry category-based selection draws. These draws target candidates in the Express Entry pool with expertise in professions that Canada urgently requires workers for. The categories encompass in-demand jobs across five key fields:

1. Healthcare 2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 3. Trade 4. Transport 5. Agriculture and Agri-food

Examining the list of targeted professions provides insight not only into the current labor market demand but also into the occupations that IRCC deems essential for supporting the Canadian workforce through immigration. Aligning these professions identified by IRCC with those recognized by human resource consulting firms and popular job boards reveals a notable overlap.

Note: The following lists for Healthcare and STEM occupations feature the most common job titles according to IRCC’s list. Other categories will encompass complete lists of in-demand professions. For a comprehensive list of job titles and access to the “category-based selection” draw eligibility tool, please refer to our dedicated webpage here. National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 codes for professions are also provided for reference.

Healthcare Occupations Covering various positions such as physicians, physiologists, and psychologists, common titles include:

Nurses: – Licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) – Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 33102) – Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) – Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals (NOC 31303) – Nursing coordinators and supervisors (NOC 31300) – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301)

Lab/Medical Assistants and Technical Medical Staff: – Medical laboratory assistants and related technical options (NOC 33101) – Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120) – Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121) – Medical sonographers (NOC 32122) – Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103) – Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals (NOC 31303)

STEM Occupations Encompassing professions from various fields, such as architects and data scientists, common titles include:

Engineers: – Civil engineers (NOC 21300) – Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 21311) – Electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310) – Engineering managers (NOC 20010) – Industrial and manufacturing engineers (NOC 21321) – Metallurgic and materials engineers (NOC 21322) – Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)

Business and Computer Systems Specialists: – Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012) – Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) – Cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) – Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223) – Information systems specialists (NOC 21222)

Trades Occupations Focusing on skilled trades needed for manufacturing, construction, and repairs, professions include:

– Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers (NOC 73200) – Elevator Constructors and Mechanics (NOC 72406) – Machine Fitters (NOC 72405) – Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics (NOC 72402) – Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics (NOC 72400) – Carpenters (NOC 72310) – Plumbers (NOC 72300) – Electricians (except industrial and power system) (NOC 72200) – Welders and Related Machine Operators (NOC 72106) – Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers, and Servicers (NOC 72014)

Transport Occupations Encompassing professions supporting the commercial transport of people and goods, these occupations include:

– Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors (NOC 93200) – Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300) – Railway Traffic Controllers and Marine Traffic Regulators (NOC 72604) – Engineer Officers, Water Transport (NOC 72603) – Deck Officers, Water Transport (NOC 72602) – Air Traffic Controllers and Related Occupations (NOC 72601) – Air Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Flying Instructors (NOC 72600) – Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors (NOC 72404) – Railway Carmen/Women (NOC 72403) – Managers in Transportation (NOC 70020)

Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations Covering professions related to farming, landscaping, and food production, these occupations include:

– Contractors and Supervisors, Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, and Horticulture Services (NOC 82031) – Agriculture Service Contractors and Farm Supervisors (NOC 82030) – Butchers—Retail and Wholesale (NOC 63201)

Am I Eligible for Category-Based Selection? To qualify for these categories, candidates must have at least six months of continuous work experience in the last three years, either in Canada or abroad, and already have a profile in the Express Entry application pool.

After submitting a profile under one of the three Express Entry managed programs—the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)—candidates must await a relevant Express Entry draw that issues an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR, based on their inclusion in one of the above professional categories or their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. CRS scores are IRCC’s standard method of ranking immigration candidates based on their human capital factors.

Once an ITA is received, candidates (now applicants) have up to 60 days to submit a full PR application. Upon approval, applicants attain PR status and receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), allowing them to settle permanently in Canada.

Book an Appointment with Sahil for any Immigration related Queries

June 8, 2023
June 8, 2023

IRCC invites 4,800 candidates in an all-program draw via Express Entry

Author By Team Sayal Categories Business Visa, Canada Immigration

Exciting news for Canada Immigration Applicants! The IRCC has just issued 4800 invitations through the express entry draw. This points-based system is the fastest and most popular way for skilled workers to obtain Canadian permanent residency. If you haven’t already, now is the time to create your profile and enter the express entry pool. Keep an eye out for future draws. Good luck!

The fourteenth Express Entry draw of 2023 has been conducted by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), where they invited a total of 4,800 candidates across all programs. To be eligible, the candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 486.

Submit the Assessment Form to Discover your Eligibility

Following the recent draw on May 24 where a total of 4,800 candidates were invited across all programs with a minimum CRS score of 488, this latest draw marks the first one for the month of June. It’s worth noting that the minimum CRS score requirement in the May 24 draw was higher than that of the April 26 all-program draw, which required a minimum score of 483.

The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that category-based selection draws are set to commence during this summer season.

A news release was issued by the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on May 31, stating that the department has introduced six new category-based selection criteria for candidates applying through Express Entry.

The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced six new category-based selection criteria for candidates applying through Express Entry. The new categories aim to attract candidates who possess specific attributes that align with Canada’s economic objectives.

Out of the six categories, five are focused on individuals who have work experience in certain fields. The categories are as follows:

  • Healthcare
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions
  • Trades such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
  • Transport
  • Agriculture and Agri-food

The last category is designed for candidates who possess strong French language proficiency.

While an exact date is not yet announced, the department has stated that it plans to conduct category-based draws during the summer. To be eligible for targeted draws, candidates must already be in the Express Entry pool. According to IRCC, Express Entry candidates who satisfy the category requirements will still be ranked based on their scores, and ITAs will be issued to those with the highest rankings.

Aside from category-based draws, IRCC will continue to hold program-specific and all-program draws as necessary.

Express Entry in 2023 | Latest Figures

Since the start of 2023, IRCC has conducted a total of 13 draws and has invited a considerable number of candidates amounting to 49,948. This is substantially higher compared to the period between July and November in 2022. It’s worth noting that IRCC did not conduct any all-program draws until July 2022 due to a temporary suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the invitation of 31,000 candidates.

In May, there were two draws conducted for the Express Entry program. The first draw, which occurred on May 10, was exclusively for candidates who were nominated by a provincial government and were already in the Express Entry pool. A total of 589 candidates were invited to apply through this Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw.

In April, two all-program draws were conducted by the Express Entry program, which shared similarities in terms of the number of candidates invited. Both draws invited a total of 3,500 candidates to apply. However, there was a difference in the required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for each draw. In the first draw on April 12, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 346, while in the second draw on April 26, the minimum CRS score requirement increased to 483.

March stood out in terms of the number of draws and the total number of candidates invited by the Express Entry program. During the month, a total of four draws were conducted, inviting 21,677 candidates altogether. Out of these four draws, three were all-program draws, each inviting 7,000 candidates. The fourth draw was PNP-only and extended invitations to 667 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program.

In February, the Express Entry program conducted four draws, but each draw was specific to a certain program. Three of the draws were for candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), while the fourth one was for those applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The latter draw marked the first time in the history of Express Entry that such a specific draw was held.

In January, there were two all-program draws conducted by the Express Entry program, and both invited 5,500 candidates each.

Later this year, there is an anticipation that IRCC will shift its focus from solely prioritizing a high CRS score to targeting candidates based on specific attributes that are currently in demand in Canada’s economy.

Book an Appointment with Sahil for any Immigration related Queries

May 11, 2023
May 11, 2023

Express Entry Draw 248 | 589 Invited in the 4th PNP Draw

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently issued 589 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specific draw. Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 691 to be considered for the draw. In a PNP specific draw, candidates are already in the Express Entry pool but have also received a nomination from a Canadian province. This is the fourth PNP specific draw of 2023, with the last one occurring on March 1 and inviting 667 candidates. All draws since then have considered candidates from all Express Entry programs.

Proof of funds

On May 2, IRCC announced that the amount of money that Express Entry applicants must have access to in Canada has changed. All Express Entry candidates must show proof of funds to demonstrate that they have enough money to settle in Canada. Proof of funds is not required for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class or for Express Entry candidates who are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. This is true even for those who apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. To stay eligible for Express Entry, candidates must now update their profiles to reflect that they still have the required amount of settlement funds. IRCC updates the amount yearly, based on 50% of the low-income cut-off totals, and varies depending on how many people a candidate must be able to support.

Number of family members Funds required (in Canadian dollars)
1 $13,757
2 $17,127
3 $21,055
4 $25,564
5 $28,994
6 $32,700
7 $36,407
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member $3,706

Express Entry

This draw follows the April 26 draw in which 3,500 candidates were invited with CRS scores of 483. IRCC also invited 3,500 candidates on April 12 with CRS scores of 486. This number of candidates per draw is half of what was seen over March when IRCC invited more than 21,000 candidates over four consecutive draws, three of which invited 7,000 candidates. The total number of candidates invited in March was the second highest in Express Entry history, only exceeded by a draw in February 2021 in which 27,332 CEC candidates received an ITA.

April also marks a tentative return to a normal draw schedule. Typically, until late 2022 and throughout March 2023, Express Entry draws occur every second week on Wednesdays. Draws occurred weekly throughout March. The March and April draws also showed a return to typical all-program draws. Throughout January and February this year, most draws were program specific for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). However, on February 2, IRCC held the first-ever program-specific draw for the Federal Skilled Workers Program.

The Express Entry application management system oversees three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Each program has unique eligibility criteria but are all similar in that candidates require skilled work experience. After a candidate self-evaluates if they are eligible for one of the programs, they must upload a profile on the IRCC website.

Express Entry uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score and rank candidates according to a score they receive based on their profile. The system takes an individual’s work experience, occupation, language ability, education, age, and other human capital factors into consideration when assigning a score. The highest-scoring candidates are the most likely to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once a candidate receives an ITA, they have 60 days to send in their completed application. Once IRCC receives it, an immigration officer will review the application and decide if the candidate is approved.