Canada has positioned itself as a major factoralternative destination for international students following the United Kingdom’s decision to ban issuing study visas to nationals of four countries, opening new opportunities for affected applicants seeking overseas education.
The UK government announced that it will cease issuing study visas to nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, with the measure scheduled to take effect on March 26, 2026. The decision followed a sharp rise in asylum claims by students from these countries between 2021 and 2025, which reportedly increased by about 470 percent.
However, Canadian authorities have reiterated that the country remains open to qualified applicants from all nationalities, offering what experts describe as a viable alternative for students impacted by the UK restriction.
Canada maintains open study policy
Canada continues to accept international students through its standard study permit system, allowing eligible applicants to pursue higher education and potentially transition to permanent residency after graduation.
To study in Canada, prospective students must first secure admission into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). In many cases, students must also obtain a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), confirming that a study space has been allocated to them within a specific province or territory.
Authorities noted that some categories of students, including those enrolling in publicly funded master’s or doctoral programs, may not require the PAL/TAL.
Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living expenses, and transportation without relying on employment during their studies. As of September 1, 2025, a single applicant must show proof of at least CAD $22,895 for living expenses, excluding tuition and travel costs.
For families, the required financial threshold increases according to household size, reaching over CAD $60,000 for seven members, with additional funds required for each extra dependent.
Required documents and application steps
Applicants are required to prepare several documents before submitting a study permit application. These include a valid passport, recent photographs, proof of funds, and, where requested, police certificates and medical examination results.
Medical examinations are mandatory for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan, while additional documentation such as marriage certificates or Quebec Acceptance Certificates may be required depending on personal circumstances.
Once documentation is completed, applicants must fill out the relevant study permit forms and submit them online, accompanied by a processing fee of CAD $150 per person and biometrics fees starting at CAD $85.
Biometric data collection is conducted at Visa Application Centres after applicants receive formal instructions from immigration authorities.
Processing timelines vary by country
Processing times for study permit applications differ depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
Recent estimates indicate that applications from Afghanistan may be processed within one week, while those from Cameroon and Myanmar could take between four and seven weeks. Processing timelines for Sudan remain unspecified, according to available immigration data.
Officials emphasized that these timelines are estimates and may vary depending on application volume and completeness of submitted documents.
Additionally, doctoral applicants submitting online applications may qualify for expedited processing of approximately two weeks, including accompanying family members.
Study-to-permanent residency pathway
One of Canada’s key attractions for international students remains its pathway from study to permanent residency.
After completing eligible programs, graduates may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain professional experience in Canada for up to three years.
With at least one year of Canadian work experience, graduates may qualify for permanent residency through the Express Entry system, particularly under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Data from immigration authorities show that between January 2025 and March 2026, thousands of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued through Express Entry programs, with cut-off scores ranging between 508 and 547.
Canadian work experience significantly improves applicants’ Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, with up to 80 points available for extended work experience and additional points awarded for Canadian education credentials.
Provincial pathways expand opportunities
Beyond federal programs, several Canadian provinces operate Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) designed to help international graduates settle permanently in specific regions.
Graduates can apply to both Express Entry and provincial programs simultaneously, increasing their chances of receiving permanent residency invitations.
Canada has set ambitious immigration targets, aiming to admit approximately 109,000 new permanent residents through the Express Entry system in 2026, with similar targets projected for 2027 and 2028.
Growing demand expected
Education analysts believe Canada may see increased demand from students previously considering the United Kingdom, particularly from countries affected by the new UK policy.
The combination of accessible study pathways, structured immigration programs, and opportunities for long-term settlement has positioned Canada as a preferred destination for many international students.
Experts also noted that the UK’s decision could reshape global student mobility patterns, with Canada likely to benefit from the shift in demand.
