Canada raises minimum proof-of-funds for study permits; living-cost threshold climbs to C$23,448

Canada raised the minimum amount international students must demonstrate for living expenses to C$23,448 effective Sept. 1, 2026. That figure applies to a single applicant planning to study outside Quebec and covers one year of living costs only. Tuition, travel, and other study-related costs are not included in that threshold.

The federal department Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the dollar amounts applicants must show. Along with the single-applicant figure, IRCC set household minimums: C$29,192 for two people and C$35,888 for three people. These amounts are the baseline proof of support IRCC expects applicants to have "without working in Canada."

IRCC's adjustment is tied to Statistics Canada's low-income measure. The department has moved to align the proof-of-funds requirement with rising living costs after holding the single-applicant threshold at roughly C$10,000 for about two decades prior to substantive increases beginning in 2024. IRCC's 2026 transition briefing says the figure will continue to change on Sept. 1 each year in line with the low-income measure.

IRCC's guidance asks applicants who use bank statements to provide records covering the previous six months plus documentation showing the sources of income in those accounts. Other accepted evidence can include:

• Canadian bank accounts and Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs)
• Student or education loans
• Proof that tuition or housing has already been paid
• Scholarships, pensions, and rental income

Applicants in courses longer than one year must also explain how they will pay for the full duration of their studies.

The C$23,448 is a minimum for living expenses only. When international tuition is added, annual costs can rise sharply. Statistics Canada's latest available national figures show average international undergraduate tuition was C$41,746 for 2025–26. Combining that average with the new living-expense minimum would reach about C$65,194 before transportation and other expenses.

Provincial differences make totals higher in some places. Ontario's average international undergraduate tuition was C$49,802 in 2025–26, which pushes total costs even higher for students in that province. EduCanada advises prospective students to budget for tuition, housing, food, transportation, health care, books, technology, phone service, clothing, and emergency savings.

Prospective international students should:

• Calculate total expected costs: living minimum plus tuition, travel, and program-specific fees.
• Gather six months of bank statements and documents that show the sources of funds.
• Consider alternative accepted proofs such as GICs, paid tuition receipts, scholarships, or loans.
• Research regional costs of living because city and program differences materially affect budgets.

The new C$23,448 living-expense threshold is a baseline proof-of-funds requirement. It increases the documented financial barrier to obtaining a Canadian study permit and does not account for tuition or other study-related costs, which can push annual expenses well above the minimum.