Canada increases study permit living expense requirements

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an increase in the financial requirements for international students applying for study permits, effective September 1, 2026. For a single student applying to any province or territory outside of Quebec, the required amount for living expenses will rise to C$23,448. This is an increase of C$553 from the previous requirement of C$22,895.

The new threshold applies specifically to living expenses and is separate from tuition fees and transportation costs. For students traveling with family members, the financial requirement scales upward: C$29,192 for two family members, C$35,888 for three, and continuing to increase for each additional person. For every family member beyond seven, applicants must demonstrate an additional C$6,318.

According to the IRCC, these financial requirements are reviewed annually to ensure they keep pace with the cost of living and to protect international students from exploitation.