Canada Raises Study Permit Funds To $22,895 Effective September 1, 2025

Starting September 1, 2025, international students must show $22,895 CAD to qualify for a Canadian study permit. This is an increase of $2,260 from the previous amount. The new requirement applies to all new study permit applications from that date onward.

The funds are separate from tuition and travel costs. The amount rises further if family members accompany the student. For example, a family of four must now show $42,543. Each additional family member requires an extra $6,170.

Quebec’s Separate Rules

Students planning to study in Quebec face additional steps. They must first obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before applying for a Canadian study permit.

Quebec requires students to prove they can pay tuition, transportation, settlement funds, health costs, and living expenses. The 2025 settlement fund is set at $500 CAD. Living expenses vary depending on family size. A single student over 18 must show $15,508, while two adults with two children must prove $27,499.

Although Quebec and the federal government have separate systems, the same proof of funds can count toward both.

Acceptable Proof of Funds

Immigration authorities require official documents to confirm that students have enough money. Acceptable proofs include:

• Receipts showing tuition and housing fees already paid.
  
• A Canadian bank account in the student’s name.
  
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
  
• Proof of a student loan from a recognized bank.
  
• Bank statements covering the past four months.
  
• Bank drafts in Canadian dollars or easily convertible funds.
  
• A financial support letter from an individual or institution.
  
• Scholarship or funding documents from a Canadian program.
  

For multi-year programs, students must prove that the first year’s tuition has been paid, with additional funds available for future expenses.

Applicants from countries with foreign exchange controls must also show proof they can legally transfer money to Canada. Immigration officials may ask for extra documents depending on the student’s country of origin.

What This Means for Students

The higher fund requirement aims to ensure that international students can cover their costs while in Canada. Rising living expenses and housing shortages have made financial stability a greater priority for immigration authorities.

Students are advised to prepare their documents well in advance and confirm specific requirements with the visa office handling their application.