Canada Study Permit Cap 2027: What the New Immigration Levels Plan Means for Bangladeshi Students
7 November 2026
Canada will accept up to 150,000 new international students a year in 2027, 2028 and 2029, under its 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan released on 5 November 2026. Bangladeshi students can still apply, but places are limited, so a strong, early application with clear finances matters more than ever.
Key takeaways • The number: up to 150,000 new international students a year from 2027 to 2029. • Part of a bigger plan: students count within 370,000 new temporary residents a year, alongside 220,000 new workers. • Permanent residence: Canada plans 380,000 new permanent residents a year. • Not fixed forever: the 2028 and 2029 targets can be confirmed or adjusted by 1 November 2027. • Graduate students: the plan mentions targeted measures for graduate students. Details are not yet published. • For Bangladeshi students: Canada is still open, but competition for places will stay high. What Canada announced on 5 November 2026 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan on 5 November 2026. The plan keeps the same targets for all three years. 2027 targets • New international students: up to 150,000 • New temporary residents (total): 370,000 • New temporary workers: 220,000 • New permanent residents: 380,000 2028 targets • New international students: up to 150,000 • New temporary residents (total): 370,000 • New temporary workers: 220,000 • New permanent residents: 380,000 2029 targets • New international students: up to 150,000 • New temporary residents (total): 370,000 • New temporary workers: 220,000 • New permanent residents: 380,000 The temporary resident total has a range of 355,000 to 385,000. The 2028 and 2029 figures are provisional and may change. Source: canada.ca. What this means for Bangladeshi students Canada is still a real option for 2027, but it is a limited-seat destination. Students from every country compete for the same 150,000 places. • Apply early. Offers, provincial places and visa decisions can fill up. Starting your application 9 to 12 months before your intake gives you room for delays. • Choose your institution carefully. Your college or university must be a designated learning institution (DLI). Check whether your study permit application needs a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from the province. • Show genuine finances. Officers check that your funds are real, traceable and enough for tuition and living costs. • Have a clear study plan. Your course should connect to your past study and your career goal. • Watch for graduate student updates. Master's and PhD students may benefit from the "targeted measures for graduate students" once IRCC publishes them. How to prepare a strong Canada study permit application for 2027
- Shortlist the right programmes. Pick courses at DLIs that match your academic background and career goal.
- Take your English test early. Get your IELTS or other accepted test result well before application deadlines.
- Apply for admission. Secure your letter of acceptance from the institution.
- Get your attestation letter if required. Your institution or province will guide you on the PAL/TAL process.
- Prepare your finances. Collect bank statements, sponsor documents and proof of income that clearly show where the money came from.
- Write a clear study plan. Explain why this course, why Canada, and how it helps your career in Bangladesh.
- Apply for your study permit online. Use the official IRCC website and check the latest document checklist on canada.ca before you submit.
Frequently asked questions How many international students will Canada accept in 2027? Up to 150,000 new international students in 2027, according to Canada's 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan. Can Bangladeshi students still apply to study in Canada? Yes. There is no ban on any country. Bangladeshi students compete for the same limited places as everyone else. Will the cap change in 2028 and 2029? The plan sets 150,000 for each year, but the 2028 and 2029 figures can be confirmed or adjusted by 1 November 2027. Does the cap apply to master's and PhD students? The plan mentions targeted measures for graduate students. IRCC has not yet published the details, so check canada.ca before you apply. When should I start applying for a 2027 intake? Start 9 to 12 months before your intake: English test, admission, attestation letter if needed, finances, then your study permit. Plan your Canada application with UnifinderAI With fewer places, choosing the right programme matters. Our AI counsellor shortlists Canadian universities and colleges that fit your results, budget and career goals. Start your plan at unifinderai.com. Sources • Canada.ca: Building a stronger Canada through a well-managed, predictable immigration system (5 November 2026) • Canada.ca: Supplementary Information for the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan • Canada.ca: Study permit