Eight ways to show proof of financial sufficiency as an international student in Canada
March 20, 2024
As an international student pursuing post-secondary education in Canada, there are multiple ways Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows you to prove you have enough money to come to Canada.
As part of the Canadian study permit process, applicants must prove they have enough money to support themselves, as well as any family members who come to Canada with them.
Note: As of January 1 this year, the cost-of-living requirement has increased for students in all provinces and territories other than Quebec (see more below).
Providing IRCC with proof of financial support/sufficiency
According to IRCC, the department’s cost-of-living requirement is expressed in “base amounts” that include “all requirements related to transportation and other expenses, including the cost of books, equipment, and supplies.” These amounts prove that Canadian study permit applicants have sufficient funds to cover the following costs:
- The first year of tuition fees, as indicated on the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issued by their Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Travel expenses to get to and from Canada
- The minimum cost of living in Canada for one year