Starting September 1, 2026, international students applying for a Canadian study permit outside Quebec must show higher funds for living expenses.
- 1 person: $23,448 (+$553)
- 2 people: $29,192 (+$690)
- 3 people: $35,888 (+$848)
- 4 people: $43,572 (+$1,029)
- 5 people: $49,419 (+$1,167)
- 6 people: $55,736 (+$1,316)
- 7 people: $62,054 (+$1,465)
- Each additional family member: $6,318 (+$148)
These amounts are in addition to:
1-First-year tuition fees; and
2-Transportation costs to and from Canada.
Important: Applications received before September 1, 2026 are assessed using the previous financial requirements.
Stronger financial scrutiny
IRCC has also increased scrutiny of the source of funds. Officers must now assess where the applicant’s money comes from in all cases, rather than only in high-risk applications.
Acceptable evidence can include:
- Bank statements for the previous six months
- Education/student loans
- Canadian bank accounts
- GICs
- Paid tuition/housing receipts
- Scholarships
- Employment income/pay stubs
- A financial support letter with evidence of the sponsor’s financial capacity and relationship to the applicant.
Quebec is different
These new federal amounts do not apply to students studying in Quebec. Quebec students must first obtain a CAQ and meet Quebec’s separate financial requirements.
For one student in Quebec, the current living-expense requirement is $24,617 per year, excluding tuition and transportation.
Bottom line: From September 1, 2026, applicants outside Quebec need to demonstrate more money and stronger evidence of the legitimate source of their funds, in addition to tuition and travel costs.
