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By Olami, AbroadPilot · Reviewed September 2026 · Source: IRCC
Quick summary: Since September 1, 2025, IRCC requires CA$22,895 for a single applicant’s living costs, CA$42,543 for a family of four, plus CA$6,170 for each additional family member beyond seven. This figure excludes tuition and transport entirely — both are on top. A large share of pages online still quote the old CA$20,635 figure, which stopped being correct on that date.
The published figure
| Applicant | Required amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | $22,895 |
| Family of 4 | $42,543 |
| Each additional person beyond 7 | +$6,170 |
Why so many sites quote the wrong number
CA$20,635 was correct for applications lodged between January 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025. It stopped being correct on September 1, 2025, when IRCC raised it to CA$22,895. An applicant who prepares the old figure has under-funded their application by more than two thousand dollars. Nothing about a page quoting the old number tells you it’s stale — the only way to know is to check the date.
What it excludes
Unlike a single all-in figure, Canada’s cost-of-living tier explicitly excludes both tuition and transportation. A single applicant needs CA$22,895 plus first-year tuition plus return travel — not CA$22,895 total.
How it’s checked
IRCC generally asks for 4 months of bank statements rather than a single fixed holding-period rule like the UK’s. This achieves similar scrutiny by a different route — a sudden large deposit shortly before applying can still raise questions even without a formal 28-day rule.
Free tools for this
- Proof of Funds Calculator — your exact Canada figure based on family size
- Proof of Funds by Country — how Canada’s requirement compares to the UK, US, Australia and Germany
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for a Canada study permit in 2026?
CA$22,895 for a single applicant, or CA$42,543 for a family of four, as of the rate that took effect September 1, 2025. This is separate from tuition and transport, which are excluded from the figure and required on top.
Is CA$20,635 still the correct amount?
No. That figure applied to applications lodged between January 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025. The current amount is CA$22,895.
Does this figure include tuition?
No. Canada’s cost-of-living tiers explicitly exclude tuition and transportation. Both are required in addition to the living-cost figure.
Official & verified sources
Checked directly against IRCC on 27 July 2026. Maintenance requirements are raised without much warning — confirm the current figure before applying.
Related guides
- Canada Visa Guide 2026: Apply from Nigeria & Ghana
- The Canada GIC: What It Proves Now the Fast Track Is Gone
- Proof of Funds by Country
