Canada Raises Study Permit Proof of Funds to $23,448 From September 1, 2026

What happened

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its proof of financial support page on August 28, 2026. For study permit applications received on or after September 1, 2026, a single applicant studying outside Quebec must show $23,448 for living expenses. That is up from $22,895, which applied from January 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026. Tuition and travel costs are on top of this amount.

Family members (incl. applicant)	Before Sept 1, 2026	From Sept 1, 2026
1	$22,895	$23,448
2	$28,502	$29,192
3	$35,040	$35,888
4	$42,543	$43,572
5	$48,252	$49,419
6	$54,420	$55,736
7	$60,589	$62,054
Each extra member	$6,170	$6,318

Who is affected

New study permit applicants heading to any province or territory except Quebec, including those bringing a spouse or children. CIC News reports that applications received before September 1 are assessed under the old amounts. Quebec applicants must meet the amounts set by Quebec’s immigration ministry for the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

What it means for your move

The rise is small, about 2.4% for a single student, but it is checked strictly. A study permit is often the first step toward permanent residence in Canada: study, then a post-graduation work permit, then Canadian Experience Class or a provincial nominee stream. A refusal for insufficient funds delays that whole path. Study permits are also capped in 2026, so a clean first application matters.

What to do now

• Add up the new living-cost amount for your family size, plus first-year tuition and travel, and show funds above the total.
• Use acceptable evidence such as a Canadian GIC, bank statements for recent months, or an education loan letter. See our study permit proof of funds guide.
• Check whether you need a provincial attestation letter under the 2026 study permit cap.
• Ask a licensed consultant (RCIC) to review your file if you rely on a sponsor’s funds or mixed sources.

What happens next

IRCC updates this amount each year in line with cost-of-living data. Expect the next change in 2027. The 2027-2029 Levels Plan, due by November 1, 2026, will set next year’s student arrival target. See our study permit guide, Canada page and updates.