By Marcelo Pinto, CEO SOS Canadá & Mundo dos Vistos
The year 2026 marks a phase of strategic recalibration in Canadian immigration policy, with direct implications for Brazilian students, skilled workers, companies, and investors. After a period of accelerated growth in temporary immigration, the Government of Canada has initiated structural adjustments focused on system sustainability, labor market integration, and the prioritization of strategic profiles.
These changes were formalized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, officially published on the Government of Canada portal (canada.ca), which will guide admissions, economic programs, and educational policies starting in January 2026.
Reduction of Temporary Immigration and Focus on Quality
One of the central pillars of the 2026 immigration policy is the proportional reduction in the number of temporary residents, particularly international students. The Canadian government has set a target to reduce the temporary population to below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027, aiming to alleviate pressures on housing, healthcare, and urban infrastructure.
According to the Supplementary Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, Canada will maintain in 2026 a target of 380,000 permanent resident admissions, while limiting the growth of temporary visas, especially in the education sector (Source: Government of Canada – IRCC, Supplementary Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, canada.ca).
For Brazilians, this signals a more selective — yet more predictable — environment for those who structure their immigration plans with careful planning and alignment with the country’s economic priorities.
Study Permit Cap and Changes to the PAL/TAL System
One of the most impactful measures for Brazilians in 2026 is the continuation of the study permit cap, with distribution by province and the requirement of a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) for most international students.
According to IRCC, Canada intends to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, including new authorizations and extensions, but with a limited volume of initial allocations per province (Source: IRCC – International Student Cap Allocations 2026, canada.ca).
However, there is a highly relevant change: since January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students enrolled in public institutions (public DLIs) are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement.
This exemption repositions stricto sensu graduate studies as one of the safest and most strategic pathways for Brazilians who wish to study and remain in Canada, particularly in fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and scientific research (Source: IRCC – Provincial Attestation Letter Guidelines, canada.ca).
Transition from Temporary to Permanent Residence
Another pillar of the 2026 immigration policy is the encouragement of transitions from temporary status to permanent residence. The federal plan provides for accelerating the conversion of up to 33,000 temporary workers into permanent residents throughout 2026 and 2027, reinforcing Canada’s role as a long-term economic immigration destination (Source: IRCC – Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028).
For Brazilians already in the country on a work permit — especially through the International Mobility Program (IMP) or the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — this direction strengthens strategies based on Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the CCBC and is the sole responsibility of the author who signed this content.
