Canada Releases New Rule Related to Study Permit of Indian Students

Canada has introduced a bmajor update for Indian students applying for a study permit. From September 1, 2025, the minimum funds required to show for a living expenses will increase. This change impacts all new applicants and is also a part of Canada’s ongoing efforts. This part is to manage international student intake and ensure students are financially prepared.

If you are planning to study in Canada, you should understand these new requirements for a successful application. Not only for Indian students, IRCC also announced their roadmap for the upcoming three years- read this post for a complete understanding of this topic.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of the New Rule
2. Updated Proof of Funds Requirement
3. Family Size and Living Expenses Table
4. Accepted Proof of Funds Documents
5. What are the other Recent Changes Affecting Indian Students
6. Conclusion
7. Frequently Asked Question

1. Overview of the New Rule

Canada has raised the minimum funds that international students must show for their living expenses in Canada. Starting from September 1, 2025, Indian students applying for a study permit must demonstrate access to at least CAN $22,895 or ₹14 lakh for living expenses. This is an increase from the previous requirement of CAN $20,635. The new rule applies to all provinces and territories outside Quebec and is in addition to the first year’s tuition and travel costs to Canada.

2. Updated Proof of Funds Requirement

The updated financial requirement is part of Canada’s annual review to match the rising cost of living in the Country. Students bringing family members must show higher funds as per the number of individuals. The new rule will only applies to the candidates, who submitted their visa file on or after September 1, 2025. Applications before this date follow the old requirement.

3. Family Size and Living Expenses Table

Below is the updated table for the minimum funds required based on family size. It’s very important for family persons.

These amounts are in addition to tuition and travel expenses. So, it’s is suggested for students to apply before Sepetember 1, 2025.

4. Accepted Proof of Funds Documents

To meet the study permit of Indian students requirement, you can provide any of the following documents:

• Canadian bank account in your name
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a Canadian financial body
• Proof of a student or education loan from a recognized bank
• Bank statements for the past four months
• Bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars
• Letter from the person or school funding you
• Proof of funding from within Canada (scholarship or paid educational program)

For students with dependents, the total proof of funds must include their living costs as well.

5. What are the Recent Changes Affecting Indian Students

• Study Permit Cap: Canada has set a cap of 437,000 new study permits for 2025, a 10% reduction from 2024. This affects the number of approvals for Indian students.
• End of SDS Program: The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which offered faster processing for Indian students, has ended. All applications are now processed equally.
• In-Demand Courses: Canada is prioritizing study permits for programs that match the need of labor market, such as healthcare, education, and skilled trades. These sectors are facing labour shortages.
• Attestation Letters: Its necessary for Master’s and doctoral students to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter as part of their application. This letter is now playing a key role.

6. Conclusion

The new rule for the study permit of Indian students in Canada simply means that applicants need to require have a higher financial requirement. Applicants must plan ahead and ensure they have the necessary funds and documents to save themselesv from delays. With some additional changes like the study permit cap and focus on in-demand courses, staying updated is suggestedl for a successful application.

7. Frequently Asked Question

Q1: What’s the new minimum fund requirement for Indian students applying for a study permit in Canada?

From September 1, 2025, Indian students must show at least CAN $22,895 or ₹14 lakh INR for living expenses, excluding tuition and their travel costs. But the applicants who submitted their files before September 1, 2025, will follow the old procedure.

Q2: Does the new rule apply to all provinces in Canada?

The new rule applies to all provinces and territories outside Quebec. Quebec has its own requirements. Which students must meet, along with Quebec all territories are also require to meet the new requirements.

Q3: What documents are accepted as proof of funds?

Accepted documents for students include bank statements, GIC, education loan approval, bank drafts, and letters of financial support from sponsors or schools. These documents will play a very important role as a proof of funds.

Q4: Are there any other changes to the study permit process for Indian students?

Yes, there is a cap on study permits, the end of the SDS program and a focus on in-demand courses for visa approvals. Canada is prioritising STEM category to meet the labour shortages.

To search and compare programs in top universities in the UK and Canada, including popular courses, scholarships, and admission requirements, please click the following link: www.educationplanner.io/programs. Also, if you are looking to study and work abroad, choose the best consultation with us.

Stay ahead in your journey to study abroad! Follow Mandeep Singh for personalized guidance, expert tips, and the latest updates on immigration and study abroad opportunities. For more details contact us.