ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Canada has decided to simplify and expedite the study permit process for foreign students aspiring to pursue higher education, particularly those applying for Master’s and PhD programs.
According to a foreign news agency, the Canadian immigration department has announced that decisions regarding study permit applications from PhD candidates will be made within two weeks.
Under the new policy, effective January 1, 2026, students enrolling in Master’s and PhD programs at public institutions will be exempt from the requirement of obtaining a provincial or territorial attestation letter.
The policy also allows graduate students to bring their families to Canada and makes them eligible for post-graduation work permits upon completing their studies.
Official data indicates that while the total number of international students in Canada has dropped by one-third compared to 2024, the proportion of graduate students rose from 12 percent to 21 percent during the same period.
The Canadian government states that the policy shift aims to attract talented students and top-tier researchers from around the world to Canada and to maintain the country’s appeal in the fields of higher education and research.
