In a move aimed at ensuring international students are financially secure during their studies, the Canadian government has recently announced a significant increase in the financial requirements for study permit applicants, effective September 1, 2025.
As per the updated guidelines, international students must now show proof that they can afford not only their tuition but also higher living expenses and transportation costs for themselves and any accompanying family members – without relying on employment in Canada.
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The revised cost-of-living threshold (excluding tuition fees) will now be CAN $22,895 per year for a single applicant, up from the previous CAN $20,635. This amount scales up with the number of accompanying family members. For instance, a student with two dependents must show CAN$35,040 in available funds annually.
If the student and two family members want to come to a province or territory (other than Quebec) for a year, then the student will need $31,583 for living expenses.
The acceptable forms of financial proof include:
– Receipts for paid tuition and housing
– Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs)
– Bank statements from the last 4 months
– Education loan documentation
– A Canadian bank account in the student’s name
– Letters of financial support or scholarship proof
For students from countries with foreign exchange controls, proof must be provided to show that funds can be legally transferred to Canada.
Students applying before September 1, 2025 will be assessed based on the current financial thresholds, while those applying on or after will be required to meet the new, higher amounts.
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The government updates these figures annually, based on the low-income cut-off (LICO), to keep pace with inflation and cost-of-living adjustments.
International students planning to study in Québec in 2025 must meet updated financial requirements covering tuition, travel, and living expenses, as well as settlement and health insurance costs. Health insurance must cover the entire stay unless the student is already insured in Québec or their country has a social security agreement with Québec.
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