Quebec triples proof of funds requirement for study permits in 2026
Quebec’s proof of funds requirements for study permit applications are set to more than triple for some students starting January 1, 2026.
These increases apply to both new international students applying for their first study permit and current international students who need to extend their study permit validity.
Single international students under the age of 18 hoping to study in the province will see the fund requirements for their basic needs increase to more than triple the current required amount.
Single international students above the age of 18 will see the fund requirements for their basic needs increase by more than $9,000.
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All dollar amounts discussed in this article are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Fund requirements increase based on the number of family members added to a study permit application (spouse, dependents, etc.).
The table below shows the current funds you are currently expected to have versus how much you will be required to have as of January 1, based on family size.
| Number of people included in the application (including principal applicant) | Until December 31, 2025 | As of January 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| One person under the age of 18 | $7,756 | $24,617 |
| One person aged 18 or over | $15,508 | $24,617 |
| Two people aged 18 or over | $22,745 | $34,814 |
| Two people aged 18 or over and one person under the age of 18 | $25,479 | $42,638 |
| Two people aged 18 or over and two people under the age of 18 | $27,499 | $49,234 |
Of note is that the above funds are separate from tuition costs and transportation fees. An applicant must demonstrate their financial capacity to cover all of these expenses to be eligible for a study permit.
Due to Quebec’s special immigration agreement with Canada's federal government, the province can dictate its own financial requirements for temporary residents (workers and students) looking to move there.
With this impending increase, Quebec’s proof of fund requirement will exceed fund requirements for the rest of Canada, which are determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
When do I need to show proof of funds?
International students who plan to study in Quebec must show proof of funds at both the provincial and federal stages of their study permit application (and again when renewing their study permit, if needed).
Students planning to study in Quebec must first apply to the province for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before they apply for a study permit from the federal government. This process is repeated if a study permit holder needs to extend their permit.
When you apply for your CAQ, Quebec’s immigration ministry will require proof that you can pay your tuition fees and travel costs, plus a minimum amount for living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members—before issuing a CAQ. This financial capacity requirement applies both for your first CAQ and when you renew your authorization to study in Quebec.
After receiving your CAQ, you apply to IRCC for a study permit. At that stage, IRCC also reviews your proof of financial support—both for first-time applications and study-permit extensions—where officers check that you still have enough money to support yourself while you study in Quebec.
Note that the same funds are assessed by both Quebec and IRCC. Applicants do not need to provide additional funds for IRCC assessment.
In practice, this means that a student that will attend a Quebec institution will normally need to demonstrate proof of funds:
- When applying for their first CAQ;
- When applying for their first study permit;
- When renewing their CAQ (if applicable); and
- When extending their federal study permit (if applicable).
How can I show proof of funds for my study permit application?
The Quebec government has outlined the documents that it will accept in support of a student’s financial capacity to meet the proof of funds requirement for a study permit.
Examples of acceptable proof of funds documents include:
- Evidence that money has recently been transferred;
- For instance, from abroad to a Quebec bank account, or documents showing other assets and sources of income.
- A recent authorization to transfer funds;
- Issued by the currency exchange control authority in their country of origin or residence.
- Only accepted as proof by Quebec's immigration ministry if the country limits outflow of funds.
- A recent official scholarship or bursary confirmation
- Must clearly state how much money will be received each month and each year.
- Recent pay slips showing current employment income;
- A bank letter;
- Must state the current balance in the account. Quebec provides a sample bank letter format that applicants can follow.
- The most recent income tax notice of assessment, indicating annual income;
- Bank statements for the last three months; and/or
- Must show the name of the account holder and the current account balance.
- An updated bank book.
- With this should be included proof that the applicant is the owner of that bank book.
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