Overview
Proof of funds is one of the most common reasons study permit files feel “almost ready” but still get refused. IRCC wants to see that you can pay for tuition, living expenses, and return travel without relying on unauthorized work in Canada.
This guide summarizes the federal living-cost table and how to build a coherent funds package. It is not advice for a specific refusal or unusual funding history.
Common situations
Applying alone (one person)
Use the one-person living-cost figure for your application date, add first-year tuition from your letter of acceptance, and add return travel. Keep the math easy for an officer to follow.
Family members coming with you
IRCC’s table increases with family size. Include living costs and return travel for each accompanying family member, plus your tuition.
Studying in Quebec
Quebec applicants generally follow CAQ financial requirements set by the Quebec ministry, not the federal living-cost table alone. Confirm both IRCC and Quebec pages.
Scholarship or sponsor support
Scholarships, education loans, and family sponsors can form part of your proof. The documents should clearly show who is funding you, how much, and that the funds are available.
How much money do you need?
IRCC expects enough money for:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you
- Return transportation for yourself and those family members
You must show you can support yourself without relying on working in Canada.
Living-cost amounts (excluding tuition and transportation)
For applications on or after September 1, 2025 (outside Quebec):
| Family members (including you) | Amount per year (CAN$) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 22,895 |
| 2 | 28,502 |
| 3 | 35,040 |
| 4 | 42,543 |
| 5 | 48,252 |
| 6 | 54,420 |
| 7 | 60,589 |
| Each additional person | 6,170 |
Amounts change. Re-check the live IRCC financial support page before you apply.
First year vs later years
IRCC expects proof for the first year. For longer programs, explain how you will fund remaining years (savings plan, continuing sponsor support, scholarship renewal, or other realistic sources).
What documents usually work?
IRCC’s financial support page lists examples such as:
- bank statements or banking details showing available funds
- proof of a Canadian bank account in your name (if you transferred money)
- proof of a student or education loan from a bank
- a letter from a person or institution providing you money
- proof of funding paid from within Canada (if applicable)
- a scholarship or other funding letter
- proof that you paid tuition and housing fees (helpful but not a full substitute for remaining living costs)
Visa-office instructions for your country may require extra documents (for example, specific bank formats or tax records). Check those instructions before you file.
Tamara can review bank statements, sponsor letters, and how your numbers line up with IRCC’s living-cost table before you submit.
How to present a clear funds package
- Start with a one-page summary: tuition + living costs + travel = total needed.
- Match each dollar of the total to a document an officer can verify.
- Explain large recent deposits (gift letter, sale of asset, salary accumulation).
- Keep names, account holders, and relationships consistent across forms and letters.
- If someone sponsors you, include their ability to support you—not only a promise.
Common mistakes
- Treating the living-cost table as including tuition
- Showing only tuition paid and ignoring living costs
- Relying on future Canadian work income
- Unexplained large deposits shortly before applying
- Ignoring Quebec-specific financial rules
- Missing visa-office-specific financial instructions for your country
Related guides
- Study Permit Requirements — full eligibility checklist
- Study Permit Document Checklist — what else to include with funds
- PAL/TAL Requirements — attestation letter rules
This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.
Before you apply
- Calculated tuition for the first year from your LOA
- Looked up IRCC living-cost amount for your family size and application date
- Added return transportation for you and accompanying family
- Gathered bank statements, sponsor letters, or scholarship proof that match the total
- Explained large recent deposits if they appear on statements
- Confirmed Quebec vs federal rules if studying in Quebec
Frequently asked questions
- Does the $22,895 amount include tuition?
- No. IRCC’s living-cost table excludes tuition and transportation. You must show living costs plus tuition and return travel.
- How much proof of funds do I need for a multi-year program?
- IRCC expects proof for the first year and an explanation of how you will fund the rest of the program.
- Can I count income from working in Canada?
- No. IRCC says you must show you can support yourself without relying on employment income in Canada.
- What documents prove financial support?
- Common examples include bank statements, proof of a student or education loan, a scholarship or funding letter, and documents showing a person supporting you can do so. Visa-office instructions may require extra items.
- Do Quebec applicants use the same living-cost table?
- No. Quebec uses amounts set by the Quebec ministry for CAQ purposes. Confirm on IRCC and Quebec government pages.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.
See also
References
Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.