Many Indian students lose a Canadian study permit not because of their marks but because of money: the funds shown were too low, too recent or unexplained. The rules changed again for applications made on or after 1 September 2026. This guide explains the Canada study permit proof of funds 2026 requirement from the official IRCC pages: the new living-cost amounts by family size, what counts as proof, and the mistakes that cause refusals.
Quick answer
IRCC says you must prove that you have enough money, without working in Canada, to pay for all of the following: the tuition fees for your course, living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you, and transportation to and from Canada for you and your accompanying family. You must show you have enough financial resources for the first year of study. For programmes longer than a year, you must also tell IRCC how you plan to pay for the full duration, for example with a scholarship that runs longer than one year or proof that your parents are employed.
IRCC assesses the amount of funds you have and their source, and confirms the funds will be available to you throughout your studies. That is why the source of every rupee in your account matters as much as the total.
IRCC updates the living-expense chart each year. These amounts do not include tuition and transport. They apply to all provinces and territories except Quebec.
| Family members (including you) | From 1 Sep 2026 (CAD per year) | 1 Jan 2025 – 31 Aug 2026 (CAD per year) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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 member beyond 7 | 6,318 | 6,170 |
Which column applies depends on the date you apply, not the date you start your course. IRCC gives this example: if you and 2 family members want to come to a province or territory other than Quebec for a year, you need CAD 35,888 for living expenses from 1 September 2026, plus tuition and transport.
Watch out
Quebec has its own rules. To get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and study in Quebec, you must show you can cover the costs set by the Quebec immigration ministry (MIFI). Check their requirement separately before you apply.
Add the three parts together. The figures below are an illustration only, using a made-up tuition fee, so replace them with the numbers from your own offer letter.
| Item | Illustration (single student, applying after 1 Sep 2026) |
|---|---|
| Living expenses (official figure) | CAD 23,448 |
| First-year tuition (from your offer letter) | For example CAD 20,000 |
| Return transportation (your own estimate) | Your airfare estimate |
| Minimum to show | About CAD 43,448 plus transport |
If you have already paid the first year of tuition and housing, IRCC accepts a receipt from your designated learning institution as part of the proof, but you still need other documents showing funds for living expenses and transport.
IRCC lists examples of documents. It says this is not a complete list, and you do not need all of them, but you must give enough proof to meet all the financial requirements.
| Type | Examples from IRCC |
|---|---|
| Tuition and study costs | Receipt of first-year tuition and housing paid; a bank student or education loan; a scholarship or Government of Canada-funded programme (if it covers only tuition, show other funds for living and transport) |
| Employment and family support | Recent pay stubs; a letter from the person giving you money with their occupation, relationship to you, number of dependants and amount of support, plus proof of relationship and a copy of their identification or business registration |
| Banking and other income | Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if you transferred money; a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution; bank statements for the past 6 months including the month of application or the month before; pension and rental income proof |
Pro tip
IRCC says bank statements must include documentation of the source of the income, such as employment income or savings transfers. A large deposit with no explanation is the most common reason a file looks weak.
Your study can lead to work in Canada. See our guides on the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and the spousal open work permit for your partner. If you plan permanent residence later, learn about Canada PR proof of funds, which is a separate requirement.
For applications on or after 1 September 2026, living expenses for one person outside Quebec are CAD 23,448 per year, plus your tuition and return transport. For 2 people it is CAD 29,192 plus tuition and transport.
No. IRCC says the living-expense amounts do not include tuition and transportation, so you must add both to the chart figure.
IRCC lists a guaranteed investment certificate from a Canadian financial institution as one example of proof of funds, not as the only option. You must still show enough proof to meet all the requirements.
IRCC lists bank statements for the past 6 months, including the month you submitted your application or the month before, with documents showing the source of the income.
You must show funds for the first year, and for programmes longer than a year you must also explain how you will pay for the full duration.
The date you apply. Applications from 1 January 2025 to 31 August 2026 use the old chart, and applications on or after 1 September 2026 use the new one.
Facts on this page were checked against the official sources listed at the end on 7 November 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change often, so confirm the current figure on the official site before you apply.
Planning to study in Canada and unsure how much to show? Book a free consultation or call +91 95055 15154. See our Canada immigration consultants in Hyderabad page for more services.
