The 3 amounts you need to know
A Canada Study Permit requires you to prove financial capacity in three independent categories. They aren't merged into one number — IRCC reviews each separately:
$22,895
CAD minimum for living expenses (single student)
+ Tuition
First-year tuition based on your program
+ Flight
Return ticket to your home country
📅In effect since September 1, 2025IRCC raised the minimum from CAD $20,635 to CAD $22,895 for applications submitted from that date forward. The amount is adjusted annually to the cost of living (LICO index).
Proof of funds for living expenses
IRCC calls this proof of financial support. It does NOT cover tuition or transportation — those are separate. This amount guarantees that you can pay rent, food and daily expenses in Canada without needing to work during your stay.
🍁Applies to all provinces except QuebecQuebec has an independent system managed by the MIFI with different amounts. If your institution is in Quebec, see the dedicated section below.
Why did the amount go up?
On June 2, 2025, the Government of Canada announced an update of ~10–11% from the previous cycle, as part of an annual review aligning requirements with the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). The previous CAD $20,635 was in effect from January 2024 to August 2025.
Official table by family size
If you're traveling with a partner or children, the amount increases per additional member. Official IRCC values in effect from September 1, 2025 for all provinces except Quebec:
| People on the application | Up to Aug. 2025 (CAD) | From Sep. 2025 (CAD) CURRENT |
|---|
| 1 — Student only | $20,635 | $22,895 |
| 2 — Student + 1 family member | $25,690 | $28,502 |
| 3 — Student + 2 family members | $31,583 | $35,040 |
| 5 — Student + 4 family members | ~$43,400 | $48,252 |
| 7 — Student + 6 family members | ~$54,600 | $60,589 |
Amounts in Canadian dollars (CAD). Does not include tuition or transportation. Source: IRCC / canada.ca
✅Show 15–20% above the minimumShowing exactly the minimum can raise doubts with the officer. Having a documented buffer significantly improves your approval odds.
Official application fees
On top of the living-expense funds, you pay these government fees when submitting your application:
| Item | Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|
| Study Permit application fee | $150 | Paid when submitting online via GCKey / IRCC account |
| Biometrics (fingerprint + photo) | $85 | Required for most applicants; valid 10 years |
| Minimum total in fees | $235 | Excludes medical exam and document translation |
⚠️Fees are non-refundableOnce submitted, the government does not refund the money even if the application is refused. Verify that everything is correct before paying.
Documents accepted as proof of funds
IRCC accepts several document types. You can combine multiple to reach the required amount — as long as the money is liquid and accessible:
- ✅Canadian bank account in your name (with funds transferred)
- ✅Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- ✅Student loan letter from a bank
- ✅Bank statements from the last 4 months
- ✅Bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars
- ✅Scholarship letter or Canadian-funded educational program letter
- ✅Sponsorship letter from parents/guardian with notarized affidavit of financial support
- ❌Not accepted: credit cards, cash, real estate or property
Whose account can hold the money?
The money can be in your account, your partner's, or your parents' account — if you're financially dependent on them — always accompanied by a financial support letter or notarized affidavit.
Studying in Quebec? Different requirements
Quebec has a special agreement with the federal government. If you're studying there, you must meet two independent sets of requirements:
1
CAQ — Quebec Acceptance Certificate (MIFI)First you obtain the CAQ. The MIFI has its own amounts that increased drastically from January 1, 2026 — over CAD $9,000 in additional funds for applicants 18 and over.
2
Federal Study Permit (IRCC)Then you apply for the federal permit. The same funds can be used to prove both requirements — you do not need to duplicate the money.
🔍Always verify on the MIFI websiteQuebec amounts change frequently. Check quebec.ca before applying.
Tips to avoid refusal for insufficient funds
Insufficient funds is one of the most common reasons for Study Permit refusal. Follow these practices to strengthen your application:
1
Don't show only the exact minimumShow at least 15–20% more. Having exactly $22,895 can raise suspicion about the authenticity of the funds.
2
Avoid large deposits without historyA large deposit right before applying raises questions about its origin. Bank statements should show organic activity for at least 4 months.
3
Document the source of the moneyIf it comes from your parents, include a notarized letter + their bank statements. Consistency across documents is essential.
4
Liquid and available fundsIRCC requires immediate access. Property, vehicles and locked investments don't count as valid proof.
5
Organize everything before paying the feesThe $235 fee is non-refundable. Review each document carefully before submitting.
How much do you need in total? Real example
Example: a single student, no family, applying to a university program in Ontario with average tuition of CAD $10,000 per year:
| Item | Estimated amount (CAD) |
|---|
| Living-expense funds (IRCC minimum) | $22,895 |
| First-year tuition (example) | $10,000 |
| Return flight (estimated) | $1,200 |
| Application fee + biometrics | $235 |
| Minimum estimated total | ≈ $34,330 |
Tuition varies by institution and program. Check current amounts on canada.ca before applying.
💡IRCC updates these amounts annuallyThis guide reflects the amounts in effect as of June 2026 (the September 1, 2025 adjustment). Always verify on canada.ca before submitting your application.
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