November 5, 2025 (OTTAWA, ON) – U15 Canada welcomes the reintroduction of an exemption for international graduate students from study permit caps, announced as part of the 2026-28 Immigration Levels Plan. This sends a clear signal to the world’s best and brightest: you are welcome to study and advance your research ideas here in Canada.
In a moment when Canada is facing the urgent need to secure its future, Canada’s leading research universities can be a national asset to recruit the best and bright, ensuring we have the talented researchers and innovators we need to succeed in a turbulent time.
Graduate students studying at U15 universities are drawn by a world-class learning experience and advanced research opportunities. Many choose to stay and contribute directly to Canada’s capacity to innovate and compete in critical fields. Securing this talent pipeline by exempting international graduate students will help our universities compete internationally.
“Today’s decision to exempt graduate students from permit caps is an important step towards rebuilding Canada’s immigration system in a sustainable manner, focused on attracting top talent and leveraging our reputation as a global destination for excellence,” said Robert Asselin, CEO of U15 Canada.
“We remain committed to working with government as it implements the new immigrations levels plan to ensure that Canada continues to attract the best and brightest. As the government creates a new talent attraction strategy announced in Budget 2025, it will be vital to ensure that study permit caps avoid unintentionally limiting Canada’s ability to attract talent in highly competitive fields,” added Asselin.
About U15 Canada
U15 Canada is an association of fifteen leading research universities across Canada. U15 Canada works to optimize research and innovation policies and programs that advance knowledge, develop highly-qualified leaders for all sectors, and mobilize knowledge for the benefit of all Canadians. In this way, U15 Canada seeks to help Canadian universities make a prosperous, sustainable and just future for all.
For further information, please contact:
James Hammond, Director of Public Affairs
james.hammond@u15.ca
613-715-4764
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