New Canada Student Visa Rules: Higher Financial Proof Required from September 2025
Canada Tightens Financial Requirements
PC: Alayna Tam/ Unsplash
In a move aimed at ensuring better financial preparedness, the Canadian government has announced that international students applying for study permits from September 1, 2025, must meet higher financial thresholds. The new rules apply to all provinces and territories, with specific provisions for Québec.
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Key Changes at a Glance
Under the updated guidelines:
- A single applicant must now show a minimum of CAN$22,895 annually, up from CAN$20,635.
- The required funds increase based on the number of dependents.
- Applicants must not rely on employment in Canada to demonstrate financial readiness.
- Applications submitted before September 1, 2025, will follow current rules.
These revisions reflect rising inflation, housing costs, and the overall cost of living in Canada.
New Financial Thresholds (Outside Québec)
| Family Size | Before Sept 1, 2025 (CAD) | From Sept 1, 2025 (CAD) | Approx. INR (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20,635 | 22,895 | ₹13,96,595 |
| 2 | 25,690 | 28,502 | ₹17,38,622 |
| 3 | 31,583 | 35,040 | ₹21,37,440 |
| 4 | 38,346 | 42,543 | ₹25,95,123 |
| 5 | 43,492 | 48,252 | ₹29,43,372 |
| Each Addl. | 5,559 | 6,170 | ₹3,76,370 |
Table courtesy- Times of India
Québec-Specific Requirements
Students planning to study in Québec must meet separate financial thresholds set by the province:
- One person under 18: CAN$7,756
- One person 18 or older: CAN$15,508
- Two adults: CAN$22,745
- Two adults with two minors: CAN$27,499
- Additional settlement fee: CAN$500
- Proof of health and hospital insurance is mandatory.
Accepted Proof of Funds
Applicants must provide valid financial documentation, which may include:
- Tuition and accommodation fee receipts
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
- Past four months’ bank statements
- Education loan documents
- Scholarship or sponsorship letters
- Proof of legally transferable funds (if under exchange control)
Multi-year program students must show first-year tuition paid.
Additional Documentation May Be Required
Depending on individual cases, IRCC may request:
- Letter of Explanation (study plans and responsibilities)
- Medical Exam results
- Custodianship Declaration (IMM 5646) for minors
- Proof of immigration status (if applying from a third country)
- Re-entry permit, if applicable
Why the Change?
Canada reviews the cost-of-living requirements annually, based on the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). With rent, food, and transport costs continuing to rise, the government aims to ensure students are financially secure and less dependent on part-time work.
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What Students Should Do
Students aiming for Fall 2025 intake are urged to prepare financial documents well in advance. Delays or gaps in documentation could affect the chances of study permit approval.
For official guidance, students should refer to the IRCC website and consult their local visa offices.
