International students applying for a Canadian study permit (outside Quebec) must now demonstrate higher proof‑of‑funds amounts when their applications are submitted on or after 1 September 2026.
New cost‑of‑living requirements (effective 1 Sept 2026)
| Family size (including applicant) | Amount required | Increase vs. previous |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (principal applicant) | $23,448 + $553 | $553 |
| 2 | $29,192 + $690 | $690 |
| 3 | $35,888 + $848 | $848 |
| 4 | $43,572 + $1,029 | $1,029 |
| 5 | $49,419 + $1,167 | $1,167 |
| 6 | $55,736 + $1,316 | $1,316 |
| 7 | $62,054 + $1,465 | $1,465 |
| Each additional family member | $6,318 + $148 | $148 |
These figures are in addition to the tuition fees for the first full year of study and to travel costs to and from Canada. Applications received before 1 September 2026 are assessed using the previous amounts.
How the requirement is calculated
- Family size includes the applicant and any accompanying dependants.
- Transportation costs must cover the applicant and all accompanying family members.
- For programmes longer than one year, applicants must provide a plan for financing the remaining years.
The amounts are set at 75 % of Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut‑Off (LICO) for the relevant family size and are updated annually.
Acceptable proof of funds
IRCC categorises acceptable documentation into three groups:
-
Fees already paid
- Receipt for tuition and housing fees (must be accompanied by evidence of remaining living‑ and travel‑cost funds).
-
Funds currently available
- Student or education loan documents.
- Canadian bank account statements (or foreign statements) covering the last six months.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian bank.
- Pension‑plan documents.
- Rental‑property income statements.
-
Expected or promised support
- Scholarship or Government‑of‑Canada program award letters.
- Recent pay stubs.
- Letter from a financial supporter or institution, confirming relationship, occupation, number of dependants, and amount of support, plus supporting evidence (ID or business registration).
The list is not exhaustive; additional documents may be required based on the applicant’s country of residence or individual circumstances. Applicants from countries with foreign‑exchange controls must also prove they can legally transfer the required funds abroad.
Increased scrutiny
Since July 2026, IRCC officers must examine the source of all declared funds for every study‑permit applicant, not only those deemed “high‑risk.” This tighter review applies to all applications submitted after the new cost‑of‑living amounts take effect.
Quebec – separate requirements
Students intending to study in Quebec must first obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (QAC). Quebec has its own proof‑of‑funds thresholds (last updated 1 January 2026), which are higher than the federal amounts and exclude tuition and travel costs:
| Family size | Funds required for one year |
|---|---|
| 1 (principal applicant) | $24,617 |
| 2 | $34,814 |
| 3 | $42,638 |
| 4 | $49,234 |
| 5 | $55,045 |
| 6 | $60,299 |
| Each additional family member | $5,254 |
Both the provincial and federal governments assess the same financial documents; no extra funds are required for the IRCC portion beyond what Quebec demands.
Practical considerations for applicants
- Budget early – the additional $553–$1,465 (or $148 per extra family member) can be significant, especially when combined with tuition and travel expenses.
- Document sources – be prepared to provide clear evidence of where every dollar originates, including loan agreements, bank transfers, or sponsor letters.
- Check local visa office instructions – requirements can vary by country, and some jurisdictions may request extra documentation.
- Plan for multi‑year programmes – a detailed financing plan for years beyond the first must be included with the application.
Meeting the updated financial thresholds is now a mandatory step for securing a Canadian study permit outside Quebec, and failure to provide satisfactory proof can result in refusal.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
