IRCC updated study‑permit cost‑of‑living thresholds for new applications received on or after Sept. 1, 2025; the revised amounts are posted on IRCC’s website. Amounts will be adjusted annually to Statistics Canada’s LICO and visa officers retain discretion under section R220 when assessing proof of funds.
Soheil Hosseini
November 26, 2025
Jurisdiction
Federal
Week
Week 48
Impact
Moderate
Programs Affected
IRCC Updates Study Permit Cost‑of‑Living Amounts Effective Sept. 1, 2025
Summary: IRCC has updated the cost‑of‑living financial requirements for international students. The new thresholds will apply to new study permit applications received on or after September 1, 2025 and will be adjusted annually in line with Statistics Canada’s low‑income cut‑off (LICO). Officers retain discretion under section R220 when assessing proof of funds. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a program delivery update revising the cost‑of‑living amounts required for study permit applicants. The change, published by IRCC on 2025-11-26, applies to new study permit applications received by IRCC on or after 2025-09-01. The updated amounts are posted on the IRCC website. IRCC states the amounts will be updated each year as Statistics Canada revises LICO, aligning study permit financial thresholds with broader economic indicators used across other immigration programs. The update reiterates that visa officers will use their discretion under section R220 when determining whether applicants have demonstrated sufficient, available funds. IRCC characterizes this as a program delivery update providing policy, procedures and guidance used by departmental staff and posted online as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Analysis: Tying study‑permit financial thresholds to LICO should improve predictability and ensure support amounts track living costs, which may bolster student well‑being and reduce risks of financial hardship after arrival. However, higher or annually increasing thresholds may raise barriers to entry for lower‑income applicants and those from countries facing currency depreciation, potentially impacting diversity and international enrollment—especially in higher‑cost provinces. Applicants planning for Fall 2025 and beyond should verify the posted amounts and ensure funds are liquid and clearly documented to meet officer expectations under R220. Program affected: Study Permit
Source: IRCC
Date of update: 2025-11-26
Tags: IRCC, Canada immigration, study permit, cost of living, LICO, Statistics Canada, international students, R220, policy update, financial requirements
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