If you follow immigration news on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, you have probably seen several recent posts about international students. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its financial capacity requirements. Whether you dream of studying in Montréal, Québec City or elsewhere in Canada, understanding these changes is essential.
An official increase in the required living-expense amounts took effect on September 1. Here is what it means for your plans and your family’s budget.
The September 1, 2026 increase: what changed?
Each year, the federal government adjusts the required amounts to ensure international students have enough money to live comfortably in Canada without depending on full-time employment during their studies. This safeguard helps prevent financial hardship after arrival.
Study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026 must meet the new thresholds. For one person outside Quebec, the living-expense requirement rose from $22,895 to $23,448, an increase of $553 over the previous year.
This amount does not include tuition or airfare. It is strictly the money you need for rent, groceries, public transit and everyday expenses during your first year of study.
New amounts for families outside Quebec
Bringing a spouse or children? The calculation changes. These annual living-expense amounts, in Canadian dollars, apply to applications submitted from September 1, 2026 in every province and territory except Quebec:
| Family size | Required amount |
|---|---|
| 1 person (you) | $23,448 |
| 2 people (for example, you and your spouse) | $29,192 |
| 3 people (family with 1 child) | $35,888 |
| 4 people (family with 2 children) | $43,572 |
| 5 people | $49,419 |
| 6 people | $55,736 |
| 7 people | $62,054 |
| Each additional person beyond 7 | + $6,318 |
For example, if you study in Ontario or British Columbia with your spouse and two children, a family of four, you must show IRCC that you have access to at least $43,572 for the first year, in addition to university or college tuition.
Quebec’s separate rules and the CAQ
If Quebec is your destination, these federal amounts do not apply directly to your first step. To study in Quebec, you must first obtain a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
MIFI has its own schedules and living-cost financial requirements. Although federal and provincial amounts are generally based on similar economic indicators, always check MIFI’s specific requirements if you plan to settle in Montréal, Laval, Sherbrooke or elsewhere in Quebec.
How do you prove you have the funds?
Having the money is one thing; demonstrating it to an immigration officer is another. You must show that you can access the funds without working in Canada. Accepted documents include:
- Bank statements for the past six months, from Canada or abroad.
- Proof of a student loan or secured bank loan.
- Financial support letters from parents or a guarantor, accompanied by their proof of income, such as pay stubs and employer letters.
- Proof of scholarships or funding through a government program.
If your studies last more than a year, you do not need all the funds for the entire program upfront. However, you must clearly explain how you plan to finance later years, for example through your parents’ continued employment or a renewable scholarship.
Why preparation matters
Refusal on financial grounds remains one of the leading reasons study permit applications are rejected. With inflation and living costs rising across the country, IRCC wants to ensure newcomers will not face hardship. Prepare a solid financial plan, write a clear letter of explanation and provide authentic, verifiable documents.
Where does health insurance fit in?
Proof of funds is not the only requirement: Quebec’s CAQ requires health and hospitalization insurance throughout your studies, and most provinces also require coverage. International student health insurance protects against emergency expenses that can exceed several thousand dollars and derail your carefully planned budget.
Need a hand? Our advisors compare TuGo and Travelance international student plans and suggest coverage suited to your college or university, in Quebec or elsewhere in Canada. Call 514.700.2828.
In summary
The September 1, 2026 update confirms that Canada expects increasingly thorough financial preparation from international students. Regularly consult the Government of Canada’s official financial support documents page for further adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new proof-of-funds amount for a single student in 2026?
For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC requires $23,448 in living expenses for one person outside Quebec, plus tuition and transportation. That is $553 more than the previous $22,895.
Do the required amounts include tuition?
No. Living expenses cover only rent, groceries, transportation and everyday costs for your first year. You must also demonstrate that you can pay tuition and airfare.
Do these amounts apply in Quebec?
Not directly. You must first obtain a CAQ from MIFI, which applies its own financial schedules for living expenses. Check MIFI’s requirements before submitting your study permit application.
Which documents prove my financial resources?
IRCC accepts documents including bank statements from the past six months, proof of a student loan, parental or guarantor support letters with proof of income, and scholarship evidence. Documents must be authentic and verifiable.
Must I show funds for the entire study period?
No, only for the first year. However, clearly explain how you will finance subsequent years, such as through parental employment or scholarship renewal.
Is health insurance mandatory for international students?
Yes. In Quebec, international students are not automatically covered by RAMQ; eligibility depends on their country of origin and circumstances. The CAQ requires proof of health and hospitalization insurance throughout the stay. International student insurance protects your budget against emergency medical costs.