The new federal amount: $23,448 CAD starting September 1, 2026
For any study permit application submitted on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC requires proof that you have at least $23,448 CAD to cover living expenses for the first year of study — an increase of $553 over the previous amount of $22,895. This amount does not include tuition fees or transportation, which must be shown separately.
Important: this federal table explicitly applies to "all provinces and territories except Quebec." Applications submitted before September 1, 2026 continue to be assessed against the previous amount.
In Quebec: a separate $24,617 CAD amount, in effect since January
To obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and study in Quebec, the required financial capacity is set by the MIFI — not IRCC. For any application submitted on or after January 1, 2026, the amount required to cover one person's essential needs for one year is $24,617 CAD, excluding tuition, transportation, insurance, and installation costs.
| Number of persons | Amount required (1 year, Quebec) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $24,617 CAD |
| 2 | $34,814 CAD |
| 3 | $42,638 CAD |
| 4 | $49,234 CAD |
| 5 | $55,045 CAD |
| 6 | $60,299 CAD |
Beyond 6 persons, the amount increases by $5,254 CAD for each additional person. Source: quebec.ca, last updated January 1, 2026.
Why this Quebec / federal distinction exists
Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec selects its international students independently before the file is forwarded to IRCC for the federal study permit. The MIFI therefore sets its own financial capacity threshold, based on the Quebec consumer basket — which is not necessarily aligned with the federal timeline or amount. The concrete result in 2026: the Quebec amount, effective since January, is now higher than the new federal amount that took effect in September.
What you need to do based on your destination
- 📋 Studying in Quebec: plan for $24,617 CAD (1 person) for your CAQ application with the MIFI, plus tuition and transportation separately
- 📋 Studying elsewhere in Canada: plan for $23,448 CAD for your IRCC study permit application if submitting on or after September 1, 2026
- 📋 Family accompanying you: use the MIFI table by number of persons (Quebec) or the equivalent IRCC chart (outside Quebec) — don't mix the two scales
- 📋 Accepted documents: Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), proof of a student loan, bank statements from the last 6 months, proof of paid tuition and housing, or a signed letter of financial support from a sponsor
🎓 Preparing a study permit application for 2026?
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Book an appointment →❓ FAQ — Study permit proof of funds 2026
Does the $23,448 CAD amount apply if I'm studying in Quebec?
No. This federal IRCC amount explicitly excludes Quebec. If you're studying in Quebec, the applicable amount is the MIFI's: $24,617 CAD for one person, in effect since January 1, 2026.
Why is the Quebec amount higher than the federal one?
Both amounts are calculated independently, on different dates, using different methodologies (Quebec consumer basket for the MIFI, national cost of living for IRCC). There is no automatic coordination between the two scales.
Do these amounts include tuition fees?
No, in both cases. The $23,448 (federal) and $24,617 (Quebec) amounts cover only basic living expenses — you must separately demonstrate that you can pay tuition and transportation.
My application was submitted before these dates — which amount applies?
Applications submitted before September 1, 2026 (federal) are assessed against the previous amount of $22,895 CAD. For Quebec, the $24,617 CAD amount applies to any application submitted on or after January 1, 2026.