Canada’s new Study Permit rules: An officer shall not issue visa unless these conditions are met
Canada has updated its study permit application guidelines, requiring immigration officers to conduct more rigorous financial checks on international students. Applicants must now provide more extensive documentation, including six months of bank statements, to prove they can support themselves.
Why it matters
These stricter requirements may impact the volume and profile of international students choosing Canada, reflecting a broader shift in immigration policy.
Canada has updated its instructions for assessing study permit applications, introducing closer checks on whether international students have enough money to support themselves during their studies. The updated guidance, dated July 24, 2026, directs immigration officers to examine both the amount and source of an applicant’s funds. As per the new rules, officers may also review additional financial and employment documents to determine whether applicants are genuine students who can support themselves for the full duration of their programme. However, Canada has not changed the minimum amount of money applicants are required to show under the study permit rules.Canada tightens financial checks for study permit applicantsAccording to the updated “Study permits: Assessing the application” instructions, officers must assess the source of funds in all cases.
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