How much money do I need to show for living expenses under Canada's study permit rules from September 2026?
For study permit applications from September 1, 2026 onward, Canada requires you to prove you have C$23,448 a year available for living expenses as a single applicant, excluding tuition or travel. This is a rise from the earlier C$20,635 figure that used to apply.
If you are applying for a Canadian study permit from September 1, 2026 onward, you need to show a higher living-cost figure than before. This amount covers only your day-to-day expenses and does not include your tuition fees or travel costs, which you must budget for separately.
Canada's Updated Minimum Funds Requirement
| Applicable From | Minimum Living Expenses (Single Applicant) |
|---|---|
| Earlier requirement | C$20,635 per year |
| From September 1, 2026 | C$23,448 per year |
What This Figure Does Not Include
This amount is separate from your tuition and transport costs, so you will need to budget for those on top of it. The option that once let students combine a guaranteed investment certificate with a simplified visa stream has also since been discontinued, so plan your finances through the standard study permit process instead.
My Advice
Work out your full first-year budget, tuition plus this updated living-cost figure plus travel, well before you file your study permit application, and keep your bank statements aligned with the current number rather than the older one. Underestimating this figure is one of the most common reasons applications get delayed.
Cash income, business income or no ITR?
See whether your funds and documents will pass the Canadian visa check.
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