Dhiraj Kandel
Managing DirectorSchedule a free consultation with our expert counselors to discuss your study
The essentials at a glance
Canada still accepts Nepali students in 2026, but applications are limited and checked closely. Most college and bachelor's applicants need a PAL/TAL, proof of funds is CAD 23,448 for one person, and refusal letters now explain the officer's reasons.
Main points from this page
Canada continues to be one of the most preferred study destinations for Nepali students, offering globally recognised education, internationally valued qualifications and opportunities to develop skills for future career growth.
However, Canada’s international student policies have continued to evolve in 2026. To make things easier, we have summarised the latest Canada student visa and IRCC updates that are important for Nepali students planning to study in Canada.
| Update | What It Means for Students |
|---|---|
| Study permit applications remain competitive | Canada continues managing the number of international students, meaning applications need to be complete, genuine and well-prepared. |
| More focus on genuine student applications | Visa officers carefully review academic background, financial capability, study plans and future goals. |
| Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) requirements continue | Many students need to provide a PAL/TAL along with their study permit application, depending on their study level and institution. |
| Post-study opportunities remain important | Students should carefully choose eligible programs and institutions while considering future career pathways. |
| Complete documentation is more important than ever | Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays or negatively affect application processing. |
This section tracks the Canada student visa and IRCC changes that matter most for Nepali students, newest first. Older entries stay for context, but check the 2026 table above for what applies to your application today.
From 1 January 2026, master’s and PhD students at public degree-granting institutions no longer need a PAL/TAL. College and bachelor’s applicants still do. From 1 September 2026, proof of funds for one student is CAD 23,448 plus first-year tuition. Full details are on our Canada student visa requirements page.
IRCC now includes an Officer’s Decision Note (ODN) with every study permit refusal, spelling out the exact reason. Before this, students had to request GCMS notes separately to see why they were refused. A clearer refusal reason makes it easier to fix the issue before reapplying.
Nepal issued 1,894 No Objection Certificates for Canada in 2024/25, down from an estimated 3,500 in 2023 and 5,000 in 2022. Stricter PGWP eligibility, tighter dependant-visa rules and rising living costs are the main reasons. Canada still ranks as a top destination for its education quality and PR pathways.
A second COVID wave and a federal election slowed IRCC processing at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi. Decisions took 4 to 8 months, against a normal 2 to 3 months. Processing has since returned to normal. Current timelines are on the IRCC processing-times tool.
Study permit decisions that normally took about 6 weeks were taking around 16 weeks during Canada’s second COVID-19 wave. IRCC advised students to apply at least 6 months before their intake. Quarantine and vaccine-acceptance rules from this period have since ended.
Canada extended its COVID-19 travel restrictions and 14-day quarantine order to 30 September 2020. Canadian citizens, permanent residents and some international students and temporary workers were exempt. These restrictions and the quarantine requirement no longer apply.
A successful Canada study permit application is about showing that your chosen course, institution and future plans make sense based on your academic and career background. Before applying, students should prepare:
Students must demonstrate that they have enough funds to support their education and living expenses in Canada. This may include:
Students should also be prepared with:
IRCC requires complete applications and missing documents can cause delays in processing.
Applying to Canada requires proper planning, accurate documentation and expert guidance. At Goreto Educational Consultancy, students receive personalized support from experienced senior counsellors and a dedicated team that understands the complete study abroad process and helps students with:
Our experienced counsellors work closely with every student to make the Canada application process simpler, clearer and more confident. Visit any of our branches or contact us today!
1. Are Nepali students still eligible to apply for a Canada student visa in 2026?
Yes. Nepali students can still apply for a Canada study permit in 2026. However, students need to submit a complete application with genuine documents, proper financial proof and a clear study plan.
2. Has Canada stopped accepting international students in 2026?
No. Canada is still accepting international students. However, the country continues to manage international student numbers, making it more important for students to prepare strong and complete applications.
3. Is GIC required for Canada student visa applications in 2026?
No. GIC is not a mandatory requirement for regular Canada study permit applications. The previous GIC requirement was related to the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which has been discontinued.
4. Do Nepali students need a PAL/TAL for Canada study permit applications?
Many international students require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) when applying for a study permit. However, requirements can vary depending on the student’s level of study and institution.
5. What documents are important for a Canada student visa application in 2026?
Students should prepare important documents including a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), financial documents, academic certificates, SOP/Letter of Explanation, passport, biometrics and medical examination documents if required.
6. Are Canada study permit applications becoming more difficult in 2026?
Canada has introduced several measures to manage international student numbers, which means applications require better preparation. A strong academic background, genuine study plan and complete documentation are important for a successful application.
Important guidance note
This page provides general guidance about studying abroad. Requirements, fees and policies can change. For advice about your situation, speak with a Goreto counsellor before applying.
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