Canada tightens study visa rules, Indian students must show higher funds

Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Canada has tightened its financial requirements for international students, including thousands from Punjab, by increasing the minimum proof-of-funds threshold needed for a study permit.

According to updated guidelines issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), students applying for study permits on or after September 1, 2026, must show at least 23,448 Canadian dollars (CAD) in funds to cover living expenses. The amount is equivalent to approximately ₹17 lakh and is separate from tuition fees and travel expenses.

Canadian authorities said the revision was made in response to rising living costs across the country. Previously, international students were required to demonstrate living-expense funds of around ₹15 lakh, meaning applicants will now need to show nearly ₹2 lakh more than before.

The IRCC has clarified that the revised requirements will not affect students who submitted their applications on or before August 31, 2026. The new rules will apply only to applications filed from September 1 onwards.

Under the updated policy, applicants must provide proof of funds in three categories: full first-year tuition fees, the required living-expense amount, and travel costs between their home country and Canada. Officials said the measures are aimed at ensuring students have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their studies.

The revised financial requirements also increase for students travelling with family members. A two-member family must show 29,185 CAD (about ₹20.10 lakh), while a three-member family will need 35,880 CAD (around ₹24.74 lakh).

For a family of four, the minimum requirement has been fixed at 43,562 CAD (approximately ₹30.04 lakh). An additional 6,315 CAD (about ₹4.35 lakh) must be shown for each extra family member accompanying the applicant.

The new rules will be applicable across Canada except in Quebec, which maintains its own financial eligibility criteria for international students.

Education and immigration experts have advised students to maintain a bank balance slightly above the prescribed minimum amount to avoid delays or complications during the visa assessment process. They say stronger financial documentation can help reduce the chances of application rejection and ensure smoother processing of study permit files.