New Canada Study Visa Fund Rules Effective Sept 2025

September 2, 2025

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Canada’s Study Permit Fund Requirements Increase as of September 1, 2025

What’s Changing

As of September 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has raised the minimum required living funds for international students applying for study permits outside Quebec. A single applicant must now demonstrate access to CAD 22,895, which is CAD 2,260 more than the previous requirement of CAD 20,635.CIC News+1

For those applying with family members, the required amounts have also increased. For example, a family of four must now show CAD 42,543, up from CAD 38,346—an increase of CAD 4,197.

Here’s the updated breakdown for living expenses (excluding tuition and travel):

Family Size (Including Applicant)New Required Amount (CAD)Increase from Previous Requirement
122,895+2,260
228,502+2,812
335,040+3,457
442,543+4,197
548,252+4,760
654,420+5,369
760,589+5,978
Each Additional Member+6,170+611

Why This Matters

IRCC updates these figures annually to ensure that students can support their living expenses in an increasingly tight housing and cost-of-living market.CIC NewsFragomen The move aims to prevent international students from facing financial hardship once in Canada.

What to Keep in Mind

  • The new requirement applies only to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025. Applications before this date follow the earlier thresholds.CIC Newsaskkubeir.com

  • Quebec-specific applicants may also need to meet separate provincial financial thresholds.The Economic Times

  • Acceptable forms of proof of funds include paid tuition/housing receipts, Canadian or foreign bank statements, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), student loans, bank drafts, letters of financial support, or scholarships.Canada.caThe Economic TimesFragomen


Implications for Indian Students & Planning Tips

Impact on Indian Students

The updated fund requirement has already impacted Indian applicants. IRCC data shows a 31% decline in study permits issued to Indian nationals in Q1 2025—from 44,295 to 30,650—underscoring the deterrent effect of stricter financial requirements and tighter visa rules.The Economic Times

Smart Planning Tips

  1. Review Your Application Date – Be absolutely clear whether your application will fall before or after September 1. An application on or after that date must meet the new threshold.

  2. Accumulate and Document Sufficient Funds – Ensure you have the required amount plus a buffer to account for exchange rate fluctuations.

  3. Choose the Right Proof of Funds – Select reliable documents like bank statements, loan letters, or GIC receipts. For Indian students, this means preparing statements well in advance.

  4. Budget for Tuition, Living, and Emergencies – Funds for tuition and transportation need to be separate but equally well-documented.

  5. Seek Expert Guidance – A small planning misstep can lead to refusal. If unclear, consult visa experts or immigration counsellors.


Final Thoughts

Canada aims to ensure that international students, including those from India, arrive well-prepared financially. By updating their minimum living expense thresholds in line with inflation and rising costs, IRCC hopes to prevent hardship and ensure a smoother student experience.CIC NewsThe Times of India

If you’re planning to pursue studies in Canada for Fall 2025 or beyond, start preparing now—especially your financial documents. Want help assessing your eligibility or comparing options? Feel free to ask—We’d be happy to help

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