A major new update to Canada’s study visa rules is set to reshape the journey for international students, particularly those from India. Beginning September 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially increased the proof of funds requirement for study permit applicants. This significant policy shift impacts financial planning, student mobility, and future applications for a Canada study visa.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the new Canada student visa requirements, their implications for Indian students, and tips on how to prepare for a successful study permit application.
Understanding the New Canada Study Visa Rules
The biggest change is the increase in the minimum funds required to support oneself during studies in Canada.
For a single applicant, the required amount has now risen by CA$2,260, bringing the total to CA$22,895 (₹14.12 lakh).
This adjustment reflects Canada’s rising cost of living, ensuring students can manage rent, food, transport, and other expenses without financial stress.
Unlike minor past updates, this is a structural change, aligning Canada’s immigration system with economic realities. For those applying for a Canada student visa in 2025, this proof of funds requirement is mandatory for all new applications.
Proof of Funds for Families
The financial bar increases with family members accompanying the student. The new IRCC financial scale is as follows:
1 person (applicant): CA$22,895 (₹14.12 lakh)
2 people: CA$28,502 (₹17.58 lakh)
3 people: CA$35,040 (₹21.62 lakh)
4 people: CA$42,543 (₹26.22 lakh)
5 people: CA$48,252 (₹29.73 lakh)
6 people: CA$54,420 (₹33.53 lakh)
7 people: CA$60,589 (₹37.33 lakh)
Each additional person: CA$6,170 (₹3.80 lakh)
This tiered structure ensures Canada student visa applicants are financially capable of sustaining their families in Canada.
Quebec’s Special Rules
Students aiming to study in Quebec face slightly different requirements. Apart from IRCC rules, Quebec’s immigration ministry (MIFI) imposes its own financial thresholds:
A single minor student: CA$7,756
A family of four (two adults, two children): CA$27,499
Applicants must therefore satisfy both federal and provincial rules, making financial documentation a critical step for Quebec study permit applications.
Acceptable Proof of Funds for Canada Study Visa
To secure a Canada student visa in 2025, applicants must show reliable proof of funds. IRCC accepts:
Tuition and housing payment receipts
Bank statements from a Canadian account
Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs)
Official loan sanction letters
Bank drafts showing required amounts
Letters from financial sponsors
Scholarship award confirmations
Providing clear and complete documentation is essential to avoid delays or refusals.
Declining Trend in Indian Students Choosing Canada
The financial requirement update coincides with a decline in Indian students studying in Canada.
2023: 278,045 Indian students admitted
2024: Dropped to 188,846
2025 (Q1): Just 30,000 study permits granted — a 31% decrease compared to the previous year
This decline is linked to Canada’s cap on study permits, a response to its strained housing and healthcare systems. Stricter financial checks now make obtaining a Canada student visa for Indians more competitive than ever.
Why the New Canada Study Visa Policy Matters?
The IRCC financial update isn’t just about raising fees — it’s about ensuring student success in Canada. With housing shortages, rising food costs, and public service pressures, the government aims to create a sustainable international student system.
For Indian students, this means:
More financial preparedness before applying
Need for stronger documentation
Higher competition due to reduced student intake
The Path Forward: How to Prepare for a Canada Study Visa in 2025?
To improve your chances of success, here are key steps:
Start Early – Apply months in advance and prepare financial proofs ahead of time.
Organize Finances – Keep sufficient funds in GICs, Canadian bank accounts, or loans.
Perfect Documentation – Ensure bank statements, sponsor letters, and tuition receipts are accurate.
Write a Strong SOP – A clear Statement of Purpose showing your academic goals is crucial.
Stay Updated – Regularly check IRCC and MIFI updates to avoid missing policy changes.
Consult Experts – Immigration consultants can guide you through the complex process.
Conclusion
Canada remains a top study destination for Indian and global students, but the path has become more challenging. The Canada study visa proof of funds update (2025) reflects the rising cost of living and the government’s strategy to balance international education with national priorities.
While the bar is higher, students who prepare diligently — financially and academically — can still achieve their dream of studying in Canada. The new rules emphasize that success in Canada begins not after arrival, but during the visa application stage.
