Last verified: September 9, 2026. Canada has updated the minimum living-expense funds required for study-permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026. A single applicant studying outside Quebec must now show at least CAN$23,448 for one year of living expenses.
Important: The living-expense amount does not include tuition fees or transportation to and from Canada. Applicants must demonstrate funds for those costs as well.
Canada study-permit funds from September 1, 2026
For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, the following minimums apply in every province and territory except Quebec:
| Family members, including applicant | Minimum living expenses for one year |
|---|---|
| 1 | CAN$23,448 |
| 2 | CAN$29,192 |
| 3 | CAN$35,888 |
| 4 | CAN$43,572 |
| 5 | CAN$49,419 |
| 6 | CAN$55,736 |
| 7 | CAN$62,054 |
| Each additional family member above 7 | CAN$6,318 |
Applicants studying in Quebec must follow Quebec’s separate financial-capacity rules for the Quebec Acceptance Certificate, commonly called a CAQ.
How to calculate the total amount you should show
Your evidence should cover three separate cost areas:
- Tuition: the tuition fees for the first year of your program.
- Living expenses: the applicable amount from the table above.
- Transportation: reasonable travel costs for you and accompanying family members.
For example, a single student outside Quebec should plan to document first-year tuition, CAN$23,448 in living expenses, and travel costs. If a program lasts longer than one year, IRCC also expects a credible explanation of how the remaining years will be financed.
Documents you may use as proof of funds
IRCC does not require every applicant to submit the same combination of documents. The evidence should be sufficient, consistent and traceable. Examples include:
- receipts showing payment of first-year tuition or university housing;
- a student or education loan from a bank;
- proof of a scholarship or government-funded education program;
- a Canadian bank account in the student’s name after money has been transferred;
- a Guaranteed Investment Certificate from an eligible Canadian financial institution;
- bank statements for the previous six months, including the application month or the month immediately before it;
- recent pay slips and employment evidence;
- pension or rental-income documents; and
- a sponsor letter supported by proof of relationship, income and identity or business registration.
A large recent deposit without a documented source may raise questions. Include records that explain where the money came from and show that it is genuinely available for your studies.
Other documents normally needed
- a valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution;
- a valid Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter, unless an exemption applies;
- passport or accepted travel-identity documents;
- a letter of explanation describing why you want to study in Canada and showing that you understand your responsibilities;
- a medical examination when required;
- biometrics for most applicants aged 14 to 79; and
- country-specific documents requested by the responsible visa office.
Most study-permit applications must be submitted online. Incomplete supporting documents can delay a decision.
Do you need a PAL or TAL in 2026?
Most applicants need a PAL or TAL from the province or territory where they plan to study. The institution normally explains how to obtain it after the student accepts an offer and, in many cases, pays some or all tuition.
Important exemptions may apply to primary and secondary students, certain exchange students, Global Affairs Canada scholarship recipients, and students entering degree-granting master’s or doctoral programs at public DLIs from January 1, 2026. Applicants claiming an exemption should upload evidence supporting it.
A PAL or TAL issued for the 2026 cap year is generally valid until December 31, 2026 unless an earlier expiry date is printed. A letter issued in a previous cap year cannot be used for a new 2026 application.
Practical proof-of-funds checklist
- Calculate tuition, living expenses and transportation separately.
- Use the amount linked to the exact date you submit the application.
- Download complete bank statements rather than selected screenshots.
- Explain the source of major deposits or transfers.
- Make names and account ownership easy to match across documents.
- If sponsored, document the relationship and the sponsor’s ability to provide the promised support.
- Check the local visa-office instructions for additional requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is CAN$23,448 the total cost for one student?
No. It is the minimum living-expense amount outside Quebec for applications submitted from September 1, 2026. Tuition and transportation are additional.
Do I need to keep the money available after applying?
Applicants should be able to show that funds remain available throughout the application process and for the planned period of study. IRCC assesses both the amount and its source.
Can a sponsor provide the funds?
Yes, but the application should explain the relationship, the amount of support and the sponsor’s financial capacity. Supporting identity, employment, income and business records may be needed.
Does every master’s student need a PAL or TAL?
No. From January 1, 2026, students entering qualifying degree-granting master’s or doctoral programs at public DLIs are among the listed exemptions. Confirm that the exact program and institution qualify and provide evidence with the application.
Official sources
- IRCC: Proof of financial support
- IRCC: PAL/TAL requirements and exemptions
- IRCC: How to apply for a study permit
GlobalVisora is an independent information website and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada. Requirements can change and individual decisions depend on the complete application. Always confirm the latest instructions on Canada.ca before submitting or paying fees.