Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed updates to the financial requirements for study permit applicants and reiterated strict rules on off-campus work hours for international students. The changes, effective September 1, 2026, affect both new applications and renewals.

Higher Financial Thresholds for Study Permit Applicants

For a single student applying from outside Quebec, the required living expenses will rise to $23,448, up from the current $22,895—an increase of $553, approximately 4%. This amount is separate from tuition fees and return transportation costs. According to IRCC, the combined financial burden for most students will exceed $40,000, depending on the institution and program chosen.

The new thresholds also apply to students accompanied by family members. For applications submitted from September 1, 2026, the living-expense requirements are: $29,192 for two persons, $35,888 for three, $43,572 for four, $49,419 for five, $55,736 for six, and $62,054 for seven. Each additional family member beyond seven adds $6,318.

IRCC stated that the financial benchmark is anchored to 75% of Statistics Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) and is reviewed annually. The department said the policy aims to prevent students from arriving without sufficient resources and to protect them from exploitation. In a statement, IRCC said, "We update financial requirements for study permit applicants each year to keep pace with the cost of living and help protect international students from exploitation."

Applicants can demonstrate funds through bank statements covering the past six months, Canadian bank accounts, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) of at least $23,448, education loans, scholarships, employment income, or proof of financial support from another individual or institution. Those relying on parental support must provide evidence of the relationship and the supporting party's financial circumstances.

Applications submitted before September 1, 2026, will be assessed under the existing $22,895 threshold. The new rules apply to both initial applications and renewals. Quebec is exempt from these baseline requirements, operating through its own Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) system with a separate financial evaluation.

IRCC cautioned that insufficient funds remain a leading reason for study permit refusals and urged applicants to ensure all supporting documents clearly meet the updated thresholds before submission.

Reminder on Work Hour Limits

In a separate notice, IRCC reminded international students that they can work in Canada only if their study permit includes a condition authorizing employment. Eligible students working off campus are limited to 24 hours per week during academic sessions. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays and reading weeks, students may work unlimited hours.

The reminder, published on IRCC's official social media channels, stressed that exceeding the weekly limit constitutes a violation of study permit conditions. According to IRCC, students who breach this condition might lose their student status and may not be approved for future study or work permits. In some cases, individuals could be required to leave the country.

IRCC's guidance on unauthorized work lists further consequences, including removal from Canada, a permanent record of fraud with IRCC, and a possible five-year ban on returning to Canada. Unauthorized work can also affect future immigration applications, including permanent residence.

IRCC also warned about studying without valid status. The expiry date on a study permit marks the deadline to stop studying and leave Canada unless an extension is applied for. In most cases, the permit includes the full length of the study program plus an additional 90 days. If a permit expires without a renewal application, the student is obligated to leave the country. Continuing to study after the permit has lapsed constitutes studying without status, which IRCC flagged as a direct risk to future Canadian immigration applications.

Students who wish to continue studying beyond their current permit must apply for an extension before the existing permit expires.

Institutional Updates and Context

Several Canadian universities have updated their official guidance to reflect the new $23,448 figure for applicants without dependants. The University of Toronto and the University of Windsor have both adjusted their advice accordingly.

Canada has also announced plans to admit 230,000 temporary foreign workers through two major permit pathways in 2026, as part of broader immigration measures.