Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Canada Raises Financial Requirement for International Student Permits
Canada has increased the amount of money international students must show before receiving a study permit.
Starting September 1, 2026, one student must show CAN$23,448 for living costs for one year.
This amount does not include school fees or travel costs.
Students bringing family members must show more money.
For example, three people need CAN$35,888 for living expenses.
Applicants must prove they have the money without depending on work in Canada.
They can use documents such as bank statements, scholarships, loans, or letters from financial supporters.
The rules apply to provinces and territories other than Quebec.
Applicants outside Quebec applying on or after September 1, 2026, must show CAN$23,448 for one person’s annual living expenses.
The revised amount excludes tuition and transportation costs, which applicants must also demonstrate they can cover.
The requirement rises to CAN$29,192 for two family members and CAN$62,054 for seven.
Each additional family member beyond seven requires another CAN$6,318 annually.
IRCC accepts evidence including bank statements, scholarships, student loans, GICs, paid tuition or housing, and sponsor letters.
- Who
- International students, including Indian applicants, and accompanying family members are affected; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada administers the study permits.
- What
- Canada has revised the financial requirement for international student study-permit applicants.
- When
- The revised requirements apply to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026.
- Where
- The requirements apply to Canadian provinces and territories other than Quebec.
- Why
- Applicants must demonstrate they can pay living expenses, tuition, and transportation costs without relying on work in Canada.
- One-person living requirement
- CAN$23,448 per year
- Two-person living requirement
- CAN$29,192 per year
- Three-person living requirement
- CAN$35,888 per year
- Seven-person living requirement
- CAN$62,054 per year
- Additional family member
- CAN$6,318 per year beyond seven people
- Previous one-person requirement
- CAN$22,895 through August 31, 2026
- Costs covered separately
- Tuition and transportation are additional to the living-expense amount