Canada has made the financial scrutiny for international students applying for study permits stricter. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its officer instructions on July 24, 2026. Officers are directed to check the amount and source of applicants’ funding.
Under the revised guidance, officers may request additional personal, family, employment and financial documents to determine whether applicants are genuine students who can support themselves throughout their studies. The previous guidance limited additional scrutiny to certain “very high-risk environments”.
The updated instructions suggest six months of bank statements, including the month of application or the month immediately before it. This should not be interpreted as a new universal six-month requirement for every applicant. IRCC’s public proof-of-funds guidance continues to list bank statements for the past four months among common supporting documents.
Documents showing pension income or rental income are now specifically listed as possible evidence of financial support. The update does not increase the required minimum funds. For a sole applicant with no accompanying family members studying outside Quebec under the standard study permit stream, the current living-expense requirement is CAD $22,895, excluding tuition and transportation costs.
Students should therefore prepare clear and consistent evidence demonstrating both the availability and source of their funds. The update is part of Canada’s broader effort to strengthen the integrity of its international student program.
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