Canada raises financial proof needed for international student study permits
Starting Sept 1, Canada increased the amount of money international students must prove they have for study permits, with the minimum for a single applicant outside Quebec now CAD 23,448.
Effective Sept 1, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced higher financial-support thresholds for international students seeking study permits, aligning with rising living expenses. Applicants must now demonstrate funds equal to 75 % of Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off plus tuition and travel costs; for a single applicant outside Quebec the minimum is CAD 23,448, an increase of $553 over the previous level.
Family-size requirements rise accordingly, with a six-member family needing $1,465 more than before. Quebec students remain subject to separate, higher standards set by the Quebec Acceptance Certificate, ranging from CAD 24,617 for a single applicant. Applications submitted before Sept 1 will be judged under the old limits, and students with programs longer than one year must outline financing for subsequent years. Acceptable proof includes paid fees, bank statements, loans, scholarships or sponsor letters, with additional documentation required for those from countries with foreign-exchange controls.
Why it matters
Higher funding proof raises the cost barrier for overseas students, affecting enrollment and Canada’s education revenue.
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