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 CRS Drops in 2025: Why Now Might Be the Best Time to Apply

Have you been thinking about immigrating to Canada, but your CRS score isn’t quite where you want it to be?

Well, here’s something you probably weren’t expecting-your low score might actually work in your favor this year.

In 2025, the Canadian government has been surprising everyone with how low the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores have dropped in Express Entry draws. It’s creating golden opportunities for skilled workers, international students, and even French speakers who once thought they didn’t stand a chance.

Submit the Assessment Form to Discover your Eligibility

Let’s break this all down and look at why now could be your shot at Canadian PR.

The Big News: Why Are CRS Scores Falling in 2025?

If you’ve been following immigration updates over the last couple of years, you already know that Express Entry is the main route many people take to get Canadian Permanent Residency. The lower the CRS cut-off, the more applicants get a chance to move forward.

This year, those cut-offs are hitting lows we haven’t seen in a long time—and it’s no accident.

1. Canada Wants More Immigrants-A Lot More

Canada is facing a labor shortage, and their 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan reflects that clearly. The country wants to welcome over 500,000 newcomers each year, and they’ve got to speed things up to hit that number.

More spaces = more Invitations to Apply (ITAs). And more ITAs mean lower CRS scores in the draws.

2. Job-Focused Draws Are Changing the Game

In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based draws. Fast forward to 2025, and these draws are now a core part of the system.

Instead of only looking at high-scoring candidates in general, IRCC now targets specific occupations. That includes:

Healthcare workers
Tech professionals
Tradespeople
Transport operators
Early childhood educators
French-speaking applicants

So yes—it’s entirely possible to get invited with a CRS score under 420 if your job fits the category.

Who’s Gaining the Most from These Changes?

It’s one thing to see numbers drop, but what does that really mean for you?

If you fall into one of the following categories, 2025 could be your breakthrough year.

Skilled Workers in Targeted Jobs

If your occupation falls into one of the in-demand groups, like nursing, electrical work, or software development, your odds just got better.

In one of the first draws this year, nurses were invited with scores around 397. That would’ve been unheard of two years ago.

Sayal Immigration, a trusted immigration consultant in Mississauga, has helped many such professionals apply successfully in these targeted draws.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Candidates

CEC draws were quiet for a while, but they’re starting to show signs of returning. If you’ve studied or worked in Canada, you’ve got a real shot. Even without a high score, that local experience gives you an edge.

This is especially promising for international students in cities like Toronto and Brampton. If you’re seeking guidance, consult an immigration consultant in Toronto or an immigration consultant in Brampton from our experienced team.

French Speakers

If you speak French fluently—even if English isn’t your strong suit—you could benefit from French-only draws that had cut-offs in the 380–400 range.

Add in the extra CRS points IRCC gives for bilingualism, and you’re sitting in a pretty strong position.

You can verify this directly on Canada’s official Express Entry instructions.

PNP Applicants

Provinces are using their nominee programs in smarter ways too. In some cases, they’re syncing with Express Entry draws, so if you’re selected by a province, you automatically get 600 extra points. That almost guarantees a PR invite.

👉 Want to know which province fits your profile best? Check out our PNP guide here

So… What Should You Do Now?

Knowing the system is shifting is one thing. Acting on it is where people tend to hesitate.

Here’s how you can make the most of the current Express Entry trends.

1. Build Your Express Entry Profile, Even If You Think It’s Not “Good Enough”

A lot of people think, “Why bother? My CRS is too low.” But right now, you don’t need a 480 or 500 to be in the game.

You just need to be in the pool—because once your category is called, you’ll wish you were ready.

📥 Need help setting up your profile? Our team can guide you.

Whether you’re in Kitchener or Scarborough, Sayal Immigration has certified advisors ready to help. We’re a trusted immigration consultant in Kitchener and immigration consultant in Scarborough, committed to helping people get permanent residency the right way.

2. Get Your ECA and Language Test Ready

Make sure your ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) and language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF for French) are updated and valid.

French speakers—seriously, this is your moment. Don’t skip the TEF Canada if you’ve got decent French skills.

3. Explore LMIA-Based Job Offers and Employer Connections

IRCC’s Job Bank and other employer platforms are seeing a surge in activity. Getting a job offer from a Canadian employer can add 50 to 200 CRS points depending on the position.

Here’s a quick link to Job Bank Canada to get started.

4. Look at Provincial Nominee Streams Closely

British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario have been on fire lately with job-focused draws. They’re pulling candidates directly from the Express Entry pool.

📍 Check out the latest updates on the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program

A Real Story: From Low CRS to PR in 7 Months

Let’s take Ms. ‘X’ case. She’s a registered nurse from India. Her CRS score was just 398, and honestly, she was about to give up.

In January 2024, IRCC ran a healthcare-focused draw. ‘X’ got an invitation. She submitted her paperwork in February, got a confirmation in May, and landed PR by July.

Seven months. That’s all it took.

At Sayal Immigration, we’ve helped dozens of applicants like ‘X’ – especially those searching for the best immigration consultant in London, Ontario—turn uncertain profiles into Canadian success stories.

Quick FAQs: You Asked, We Answered

Can I still get PR without a job offer? Yes, most Express Entry candidates get in without one.

How low have CRS scores gone in 2025? Some category-based draws have gone below 400. General draws are still over 500, but those aren’t the only ones that matter now.

How long does the process take? After receiving an ITA, most people get PR in 6 to 8 months, depending on document preparation and background checks.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let This Window Close

2025 is unlike any year we’ve seen for Express Entry. With the focus shifting to skills, jobs, and language ability, candidates who used to be overlooked are now being fast-tracked.

But remember—none of that matters if you’re not even in the pool.

So if you’ve been thinking about it, stop hesitating. Let’s get your profile ready, assess your chances, and position you for one of the upcoming draws.

🗓️ Book an Appointment with Sahil for any Immigration related Queries

✅ We’re the trusted Immigration Consultant in Canada – serving clients across Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Kitchener, London, Scarborough and more.

Tag Archives: Express Entry 2025

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