5 days ago
Canada Raises Student Visa Funds, Tightens Checks, Eases Co-op Rules
Canada has changed several rules for students who want to study there.
Starting September 1, 2026, one student must show C$23,448 for living costs if studying outside Quebec.
This money is separate from tuition and travel expenses.
Students bringing family members must show more money.
Canada is also limiting the number of new international students and study permits.
Many students will still need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter.
Getting accepted by a school does not automatically mean a study permit will be approved.
Canada will check admission letters more carefully to find false information.
Eligible students can complete mandatory co-ops or internships without getting a separate co-op work permit.
Study permit applicants outside Quebec must show C$23,448 for living expenses from September 1, 2026.
The required funds are separate from tuition and travel costs and increase when family members accompany the student.
Canada plans 155,000 new student arrivals and up to 180,000 relevant study permits in 2026.
Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letters remain important, and admission alone does not guarantee a permit.
Eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements, while admission documents face stricter verification.
- Who
- The Canadian government, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and prospective international students, including Indian students.
- What
- Canada increased the financial requirement for study permits, tightened admission-document checks, maintained student-number limits, and simplified mandatory co-op work rules.
- Where
- Canada, with the C$23,448 requirement applying to students studying outside Quebec.
- When
- The higher funds requirement applies to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026; co-op changes began April 1, 2026, with verification strengthening expected by September 30, 2026.
- Why
- The measures are intended to manage temporary-resident numbers and address fraudulent Letters of Acceptance, while simplifying eligible mandatory work placements.
Key facts
- New living-funds requirement
- C$23,448 for one student applying outside Quebec from September 1, 2026
- Previous requirement
- C$22,895
- Example family requirement
- C$35,888 for a family of three
- 2026 student-arrival target
- 155,000 new student arrivals
- 2026 study-permit expectation
- Up to 180,000 permits for applicants requiring a PAL or TAL
- Document verification
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is expanding centralized checks of Letters of Acceptance
- Co-op rule
- Eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements from April 1, 2026
Sources
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