Effective Sept 1, 2025, IRCC raises study-permit proof-of-funds for applications outside Quebec; single-applicant annual minimum is CAN$22,895 (excludes tuition and transportation). Scaled family amounts increased accordingly—policy aims to better reflect living costs but may raise financial barriers for lower-income students.
Soheil Hosseini
September 1, 2025
Jurisdiction
All Provinces
Week
Week 36
Impact
High
Programs Affected
IRCC Raises Minimum Settlement Funds for International Students; Single-Applicant Minimum Now $22,895 Effective Sept. 1, 2025
Summary: Effective 2025-09-01, IRCC has increased the minimum settlement funds international students must demonstrate for study permit applications across Canada (excluding Quebec), with a new single-applicant minimum of CAN$22,895, not including tuition or transportation. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased the minimum settlement funds required for international students applying for a Study Permit. The change applies to applications submitted on or after 2025-09-01 and covers all provinces and territories except Quebec. Source: IRCC. IRCC clarified that these amounts are calculated on a yearly basis and do not include tuition or transportation costs. Applicants must also demonstrate how they will finance the full duration of their studies. Key amounts required per year (excluding tuition and transportation; CAN$):
- 1 person (including the applicant): $22,895
- 2 people: $28,502
- 3 people: $35,040
- 4 people: $42,543
- 5 people: $48,252
- 6 people: $54,420
- 7 people: $60,589
- Each additional family member beyond 7: +$6,170 Applies to: Study Permit applicants filing on or after 2025-09-01 in all provinces and territories except Quebec (which maintains separate financial requirements).
Analysis: The higher settlement fund thresholds will likely have mixed effects. On the positive side, they may better align proof-of-funds with the actual cost of living, supporting student well-being and program integrity. However, the increases could raise financial barriers, potentially reducing access for lower-income applicants and affecting overall application volumes. Institutions and students may need to adjust financial planning, particularly where multi-year study costs and family accompaniment are involved.
Date of update: 2025-09-01
Tags: Canada immigration, IRCC, study permit, international students, proof of funds, settlement funds, cost of living, Quebec exception, policy update, 2025 changes End of article.
Categories
Share This Post
Related Articles
Express Entry Overhaul
Effective Nov 3, 2026 Express Entry will award up to 150 CRS points for designated high‑wage Canadian experience and up to 100 CRS points for qualifying LMIA‑free job offers. IRCC will pause draws up to two weeks for profile recalculation, use an occupation‑based high‑wage list, and retain strict job‑offer genuineness checks.
IRCC genuineness guidance
IRCC requires officers to assess genuineness of LMIA‑exempt employer‑specific work‑permit offers under R200/R209.11—refusal is mandatory if any of four factors (active engagement, need, ability to fulfill terms, legal compliance) fail; open work permits are excluded. Employers must submit complete offers via the Employer Portal and may be contacted directly; CBSA conducts genuineness checks at POE and extrinsic adverse info triggers procedural fairness.
Canada extends Ebola measures
Canada extended Ebola travel measures to Sept. 28, 2026; effective July 20, 2026, foreign nationals who were in the DRC within the previous 21 days cannot board flights to Canada. Affects TRV, Work Permit and Study Permit travellers and may disrupt travel, enrolment and onboarding timelines.
Palestinian Open Work Permits
Canada launches a temporary public policy (Aug 1, 2026–Dec 30, 2027) allowing Palestinians and eligible family members in Canada to apply for or extend open work permits (one-time extension). Policy is in-Canada only, excludes temporary resident permit holders, requires valid temporary status, standard fees apply—use IRCC’s online tool and apply promptly.