Overview
- The federal living‑expense threshold for study‑permit applications filed on or after Tuesday, September 1, 2026, was raised to CAD 23,448 for a single applicant, an increase of CAD 553 from the prior amount.
- IRCC published a full schedule of updated amounts for family sizes showing higher sums for two to seven people and CAD 6,318 for each additional member, with the new figures posted on August 28 and taking effect September 1.
- The living‑expense totals are separate from first‑year tuition and travel costs, and applicants in programs longer than one year must explain how they will fund subsequent years.
- Officers are now required to verify the source of all funds after a July 2026 update to IRCC instructions, so applicants must supply clear documents such as bank statements, GICs, loans, paid tuition receipts, scholarships, or sponsor letters.
- Quebec operates a distinct system that requires a Quebec Acceptance Certificate and uses a higher provincial schedule (single applicant CAD 24,617 as of January 1, 2026), while applications received before September 1 will be assessed under the previous federal thresholds.