Immigration to Canada through Education

Study in Canada 2026: Updated Rules for International Students

New Regulations for Master’s and PhD Students (Effective January 1, 2026)

Starting January 1, 2026, Canada is introducing major policy changes for Master’s and PhD students studying at public universities.
Graduate students in public institutions will now be exempt from the national study permit cap, ensuring broader access to advanced education.

• No limits on study permits for Master’s and PhD students at public universities.
• 14-day processing time for PhD applications, including family members applying together.
• Canada aims to attract top global researchers and innovators to strengthen its science and technology sectors.

Currently, graduate-level students make up only about 10% of all international students in Canada. With this reform, the government expects to welcome an additional 30,000–50,000 research students each year, helping fill academic and research gaps across universities. This marks a shift from quantity to quality, prioritizing talented individuals who will drive Canada’s innovation and economic growth. By doing so, Canada continues to position itself as a global leader in graduate education and research, offering outstanding opportunities for international students seeking both academic excellence and long-term career development.

2024 Updates: PAL and PGWP-Eligible Programs

In 2024, IRCC introduced new requirements for students applying to Canadian colleges.
The most important one is the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) a mandatory provincial confirmation letter required for most Study Permit applications.

Without a PAL, IRCC will not process the application. In addition, students must choose programs listed as PGWP-eligible on their college’s official website. Only these programs allow graduates to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and is essential for gaining Canadian work experience after graduation.

These changes help graduate level international students focus on programs that lead to real employment and immigration pathways, ensuring that their education in Canada results in strong career prospects.

Our Services: University Admission and Study Permit

Marcus Canada offers comprehensive service packages for students who wish to pursue higher education in Canada. If you’re unsure which type of education aligns best with your academic and immigration goals, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a specialist.

The cost of the consultation will be credited toward the purchase of service packages, so by paying for the initial consultation, you gain nothing but clarity on your options!

IMPORTANT: The packages below are applicable ONLY to clients who are currently outside of Canada and have no history of visa refusals for Canadian visas.

If you’re already in Canada and are considering applying to a university with a status change to a Study Permit, a separate agreement will be made based on your case.

Feel free to contact us via email at contact@marcuseducate.com.

Our Service Packages

At Marcus Canada, we provide comprehensive support for international students — from choosing the right program to obtaining your Study Permit and settling in Canada.

Package “Standard A” – For High School Graduates

Price: 1,700 CAD

Designed for high school students and recent graduates entering public colleges in Canada under PGWP-eligible programs (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Bachelor’s degree).

This package includes full assistance from program selection to visa submission.

Included Services:

• Personalized consultation to select a college and program that matches your goals, academic level, and budget.
• Full admission guidance and document review (transcripts, certificates, translations).
• Registration at one partner college (list available upon request).
• Option to apply to a second institution by paying only the college registration fee (100–200 CAD).
• Study Permit and visa submission through IRCC with full support on biometrics, medical exam, and passport submission.
• Visa fee (150 CAD) not included.
• Pre-departure assistance: housing, relocation tips, and preparation for your first semester in Canada.

This package ends after you receive your entry visa and travel documents.
It’s ideal for first-time students beginning their PGWP-eligible study path in Canada.

Package “Standard B” – For Adult Students (College Level)

Price: 2,000 CAD

Tailored for mature students with a Bachelor’s degree or higher who plan to enroll in a Post-Graduate Certificate Program at a public college leading to a PGWP. Since adult applicants face higher refusal rates, the package includes a personalized immigration strategy designed by a licensed RCIC consultant.

Included Services:

• Custom Study Permit strategy based on education and professional background.
• College and program selection optimized for PAL eligibility and future immigration prospects.
• Admission support and registration at one partner institution.
• Option to apply to additional colleges (only college registration fees apply).
• Full immigration assistance for the Study Permit application process, from preparation to visa issuance.

Package “Full Support” – For Undergraduate Students

Price: 5,000 CAD

This is a complete solution for college or university students pursuing Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Bachelor’s programs in Canada. Perfect for young students who need full support, before, during, and after arrival.

Included Services:

• One-on-one consultation for program and institution selection.
• Unlimited applications to colleges or universities (registration fee for one included).
• Preparation and translation of academic documents.
• Editing support for motivation letters (portfolio work not included).
• Financial consultation: tuition and living expenses.
• Full immigration support: Study Permit and visa preparation (visa fee not included).
• Assistance with biometrics, medical exam, and passport submission.
• Housing and accommodation guidance.
• Airport pick-up in Toronto and free transfer within the city.
• Arrival orientation: bank account setup, SIN number, phone plan (remote guidance for other cities).
• Course registration assistance.
• Two-semester post-arrival support, academic, immigration, and adaptation help.

Custodianship Declaration for students under 18 is 200 CAD per year (not included).

Package “University” – For Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD Students

Price: 5,500 CAD (or by stages)

The “University” package combines academic and immigration support for those pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs in Canada. It ensures a smooth transition from university admission to Study Permit submission.

You can purchase the full package or split it into two stages:

• Stage 1: University Admission – 3,000 CAD
• Stage 2: Study Permit & Visa – 2,500 CAD

Stage 1 – University Admission (3,000 CAD)

• Personalized consultation to select the most suitable program and university.
• Academic assessment for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD level.
• Step-by-step support preparing all required academic documents.
• Professional proofreading and enhancement of motivation and reference letters.
• Application submission to one or more universities (registration fee for one included).
  Each additional university: pay only the official fee (100–200 CAD).
• For PhD applicants: supervisor matching, profile review, and interview preparation.

Stage 2 – Study Permit & Visa (2,500 CAD)

• Study Permit immigration support, document preparation, submission, and follow-up.
• Tailored Study Permit strategy (especially for mature students).
• Guidance on biometrics, medical exam, and passport submission.
• Tuition payment advice and money transfer assistance.
• Support until entry documents are issued.

IRCC visa fee (150 CAD) paid separately.

For Master’s & PhD Students with Families

Graduate students may include spouses or family members in their application, for an Open Work Permit or Visitor Visa. This is discussed individually during a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant, who develops a personalized family strategy. Estimated cost starts from 1,500 CAD per family member, depending on visa type and family composition.

Why Choose Marcus Canada

• Licensed RCIC consultants with experience in education-based immigration.
• Strong partnerships with public colleges and universities across Ontario and Canada.
• Full guidance from admission to visa approval and arrival support.
• Personalized strategies for Study Permit success and future PR planning.

 Book your consultation today: Email: contact@marcuseducate.com.

Additional Services for Students in Canada

• Document Translation and Notarization (cost depends on the number of documents).
• Visa Services for Parents: Starting from CAD 1,000 for both parents (visa fee for each applicant).
• Student Housing Assistance: Including transfer services and guidance on finding accommodation.

Advantages of Studying in Canada and Path to Immigration

Higher Education in Canada offers world-class education in a developed, safe, and welcoming country. The Canadian government is eager to retain graduates who contribute to the economy. Graduates have the opportunity to gain Permanent Residency (PR) and eventually Canadian citizenship.

The Student Immigration Pathway includes several steps:

1. Choosing the right program and applying to a Canadian university.
2. Obtaining a Study Permit to study in Canada legally.
3. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain work experience in Canada after graduation.
4. Gaining work experience in Canada, which helps qualify you for immigration programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Canada vs. USA: Why Many Choose Canada for Study

1. Cost of Education: Canadian education is more affordable compared to the USA. In Ontario, college tuition starts from CAD 18,000 per year, while in the USA, it starts from USD 26,000 per year.
2. Work While Studying: In Canada, students can work up to 20-24 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks. In the USA, students can only work on-campus.
3. Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: Canada offers Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), allowing graduates to work for up to 3 years, while in the USA, work permits are limited to 2 years.

Want to Study in Canada?

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education in Canada, we offer consultations and full-service packages to help with admission, Study Permits, and immigration.

Contact us at contact@marcuseducate.com for more information!