Proof of Funds Updates for International Students in Canada (2025): Key Changes and What to Expect
Canada is set to tighten its proof of funds rules for international students, with higher minimum amounts taking effect on September 1, 2025. The change matters because financial proof is one of the core requirements immigration officers use to decide whether a study permit applicant can realistically support themselves after arriving.
What is changing on September 1, 2025
Beginning September 1, 2025, applicants will need to show more money each year for living costs, separate from tuition. The updated annual minimums are:
- 1 person: CAD 22,895
- 2 people: CAD 28,502
- 3 people: CAD 35,040
- 4 people: CAD 42,543
- 5 people: CAD 48,252
- 6 people: CAD 54,420
- 7 people: CAD 60,589
- Each additional person over 7: CAD 6,170
These figures apply to the student and accompanying family members and are meant to cover living expenses for a year, not tuition.
How the new amounts compare with today’s requirement
The current proof of financial resources threshold is lower:
- 1 person: CAD 20,635
- 2 people: CAD 25,690
- 3 people: CAD 31,583
- 4 people: CAD 38,346
- 5 people: CAD 43,492
- 6 people: CAD 49,051
- 7 people: CAD 54,611
- Each additional person over 7: CAD 5,559
For many applicants, the increase will not just be a small adjustment. It can be the difference between qualifying on paper and facing a refusal if their finances look tight or unstable.
Quebec has its own minimums
Applicants planning to study in Quebec should pay close attention because Quebec uses a separate minimum funding table that is also described as being in addition to tuition. The amounts listed include:
- Student: $15,508
- First accompanying family member (18+): $22,745
- Two adults and one child under 18: $25,479
- Two adults and two children under 18: $27,499
If you are choosing between provinces, this difference is not just administrative. It can reshape your budget, especially for families.
Why this matters to future newcomers
Proof of funds is not a box-checking exercise. It is Canada’s way of testing whether a student’s plan is workable in real life. With rents and basic costs rising in many Canadian cities, higher financial thresholds signal a tougher stance on applications that appear underfunded.
For immigration-minded readers, this also connects to the long game. A study permit is often the first step toward Canadian work experience and eventually permanent residence. A refusal over finances can delay those timelines by months or longer.
Practical takeaways if you plan to apply
- Build a realistic budget early. The new figures are annual living-cost minimums and do not include tuition, so your total needed funds will be higher than the table numbers.
- If you plan to bring family, re-check the math. The required amount rises quickly with each additional person.
- Do not wait until the last minute to organize financial evidence. Strong documentation and consistent account history often matter as much as the total amount.
- If Quebec is on your shortlist, confirm which table applies to your situation. Quebec’s requirements are presented differently and can affect your planning.
The bottom line for 2025 applicants is clear: Canada is raising the financial threshold for study permit readiness. Anyone aiming to study and eventually settle in Canada will want to treat proof of funds as a core part of their strategy, not an afterthought.
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