Showing enough money is a core part of a Canada study permit application, and the amount changed again for 2026. This guide uses the IRCC proof of financial support page, read on 21 October 2026, to explain how much you need, what the amount covers, and which documents count.
- IRCC says a single applicant must show 23,448 Canadian dollars for living costs if they apply on or after 1 September 2026, up from 22,895 dollars for applications made between 1 January 2025 and 31 August 2026
- These amounts do not include tuition or transport
- Quebec uses its own rules through the CAQ.
How Much Money Do You Need to Show for a Canada Study Permit in 2026?
For a single applicant, IRCC requires 23,448 Canadian dollars for living costs if you apply on or after 1 September 2026. On top of that you must show your first year of tuition fees and the cost of travelling to and from Canada. The living-cost figure alone does not cover those two items.
| Family members 2026 | Apply on or after 1 Sep 2026 (CAD a year) | Apply 1 Jan 2025 to 31 Aug 2026 (CAD a year) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (you) | 23,448 | 22,895 |
| 2 | 29,192 | 28,502 |
| 3 | 35,888 | 35,040 |
| 4 | 43,572 | 42,543 |
| 5 | 49,419 | 48,252 |
| 6 | 55,736 | 54,420 |
| 7 | 62,054 | 60,589 |
| Each extra person | 6,318 | 6,170 |
The amounts are the living-cost part only, per year of the program, and exclude tuition and transportation. IRCC updates them every year, so check the page again on the day you apply.
Canada Study Visa 2026: Complete Guide for Indian StudentsRead →What Is Included in the Amount and What Is Not?
The table covers living expenses only, for you and any accompanying family. You must also show enough money for tuition and for transport to and from Canada. IRCC wants proof for the first year of your studies and, for programs longer than a year, an explanation of how you will fund the rest.
For a longer program, IRCC gives examples such as proof that a scholarship runs for more than one year, or proof that your parents are employed. IRCC also checks the amount of your funds and their source, and that the money will be available throughout your studies.
Which Date Decides the Amount You Need to Show?
The date you apply decides it. If you apply on or after 1 September 2026 you need the higher figure of 23,448 dollars for one person. If you applied between 1 January 2025 and 31 August 2026 inclusive, the figure was 22,895 dollars. Do not use older blog figures, because IRCC revises the table every year.
If you plan to apply close to 1 September 2026 or later, budget for the new amount from the start. Students applying for Quebec must meet the separate amounts set by the Quebec immigration ministry to get a CAQ.
What Documents Count as Proof of Funds?
IRCC gives examples, not a complete list. They include proof you paid first-year tuition and housing, a student or education loan from a bank, a scholarship, six months of bank statements, a guaranteed investment certificate from a Canadian bank, and a Canadian bank account in your name. You must give enough proof to meet every requirement.
If someone else is funding you, IRCC asks for a letter that states their job, their relationship to you, how many dependants they have and how much they will give, with a copy of their identification and evidence of the support. Bank statements should show where the money came from.
Do You Need a GIC to Study in Canada?
On the IRCC proof of funds page a guaranteed investment certificate is listed as one example of acceptable proof, not as the only way. You must still show you can cover tuition, living costs and travel. Check the requirements of your college and your visa office before you decide how to hold your funds.