Canada Study Permit Proof of Funds Increase Takes Effect September 1, 2026

International students applying for a Canadian study permit on or after September 1, 2026 must meet higher living-expense proof-of-funds requirements for study in every province and territory except Quebec.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its proof-of-financial-support page on August 28, 2026. The new amounts apply based on family size and are separate from tuition fees and transportation costs.

New Study Permit Living-Expense Requirements

For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC lists the following first-year living-expense amounts for provinces and territories outside Quebec:

• 1 family member (including the applicant): C$23,448
• 2 family members: C$29,192
• 3 family members: C$35,888
• 4 family members: C$43,572
• 5 family members: C$49,419
• 6 family members: C$55,736
• 7 family members: C$62,054
• Each additional family member beyond 7: C$6,318

How Much Did the Requirement Increase?

For a single applicant, the living-expense requirement increased from C$22,895 to C$23,448, an increase of C$553.

The previous amounts apply to applications submitted from January 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, inclusive. The new amounts apply to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026.

What the Proof of Funds Must Cover

IRCC requires study permit applicants to show that they have enough money, without working in Canada, to pay for tuition fees, living expenses for themselves and accompanying family members, and transportation to and from Canada for themselves and accompanying family members.

The living-expense figures above do not include tuition or transportation costs.

Applicants must show enough financial resources for the first year of studies. For programs lasting more than one year, applicants must also explain how they plan to pay for the full duration of their studies.

What This Means for Study Permit Applicants

Applicants preparing to submit a study permit application should calculate their required funds using the new September 1 amounts if their application will be submitted on or after September 1, 2026.

Applicants should avoid relying on older saved checklists or proof-of-funds figures. They should use the current IRCC requirements and make sure their financial evidence supports tuition, living expenses and transportation costs.

The new amounts do not apply to Quebec. Quebec has separate financial-capacity requirements for applicants seeking a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

Study Permit Support from Lifeline Immigration

Lifeline Immigration assists international students with Canada study permit applications, documentation and current visa requirements.

Canada Study Permit Application: https://lifelineimmigration.com/services/canada-study-permit-application/

Free Assessment: https://lifelineimmigration.com/free-assessment/

Book an Appointment: https://lifelineimmigration.com/book-an-appointment/

Official Government Sources

IRCC — Study permit: Proof of financial support

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/financial-support.html

Reviewed by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant — Christine “Doc Teen” Daquiado, RCIC.