Quebec Increases Proof of Funds for Study Permits in 2026
Quebec Raises Study Permit Proof of Funds in 2026
What International Students Need to Know Quebec has officially changed the way international students can get money. The province has raised the proof of funds needed to obtain Quebec study permits by a lot starting on January 1, 2026. This is one of the biggest changes to policy that will affect students who want to study in Canada.
Quebec still draws students with its world-class universities, French-English bilingual education, and degrees that are recognized around the world. However, the cost of proving that you are financially ready has gone up a lot. This change could affect not only when many students apply, but also where they choose to study in Canada. This in-depth guide explains what has evolved, why it is important, and how students can change their educational plans for Quebec in 2026.
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What You Need to Know About Proof of Funds for a Quebec Study Permit
Proof of funds is different from tuition fees because it is meant to cover basic living costs so that students don’t have to worry about money after they get to Canada.
In-Demand Occupations Eligible for Two-Week Processing (Category B)
| Occupation Title | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Computer and information systems managers | 20012 |
| Civil engineers | 21300 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
| Mining engineers | 21330 |
| Aerospace engineers | 21390 |
| Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) | 21311 |
| Mathematicians and statisticians (subset) | 21210 |
| Data scientists | 21211 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 |
| Business systems specialists | 21221 |
| Information systems specialists | 21222 |
| Web designers | 21233 |
| Database analysts and data administrators | 21223 |
| Software engineers and designers | 21231 |
| Computer systems developers and programmers | 21230 |
| Software developers and programmers | 21232 |
| Web developers and programmers | 21234 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 |
| Computer network and web technicians | 22220 |
| Information systems testing technicians | 22222 |
| Visual effects and video game project managers (subset) | 51120 |
| Digital media and design professionals (subset) | 52120 |
Many of these roles are also aligned with Canada’s STEM immigration priorities, making them highly valuable for long-term settlement.
What Kinds of Living Costs Does Proof of Funds Cover?
- Rent and housing
- Groceries and food
- Transportation in the area
- Insurance for health
- Costs of living and other personal expenses
Quebec still needs separate proof of income to make sure a student can afford to live in the province, even if they have fully paid their tuition.
Also Read Canadian PR through Express Entry
New Rules for Quebec Study Permit Proof of Funds in 2026
Quebec has raised the financial requirements for applications filed on or after January 1, 2026, to reflect the rising cost of living.
Proof of Funds Needed for One Year (2026)
Number of People: Minimum Amount of Money Needed (CAD)
- $24,617
- $34,814
- $42,638
- $49,234
- $55,045
- $60,299
For families with more than six members, each extra person costs an extra $5,254. These numbers only cover living costs. Tuition fees must be paid separately.
How significantly have the requirements changed since 2025?
The rise in enrollment from 2025 to 2026 represents one of the biggest annual gains Quebec has ever experienced for international students. As an instance:
- Now, just one adult candidate requires more than $9,000 than they did last year.
- Families with kids may need an extra $15,000 to $21,000 compared to 2025.
- Because of this sharp rise, students need to plan their money much earlier than they used to.
Also Read UK Youth Mobility Scheme for Indians
Why has Quebec raised the financial requirements for study permits?
Quebec’s immigration rules say that proof of funds should show the real cost of living in the province, not just the bare minimum needed to stay alive. Some of the main reasons for the rise are:
- Higher costs of rent and housing in big cities like Montreal
- Inflation is making food, utilities, and transportation more expensive.
- The need to lessen how much students depend on illegal work
- Making sure that international students can have a stable quality of life
Quebec wants to lower the financial stress after arrival by raising the threshold, even though this makes it harder to apply.
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How This Affects International Students in 2026
- Postpone applications until you have enough savings.
- Look for student loans or financial help
- Apply for scholarships or programs that lower your tuition.
- Think about changing the timelines for admissions or the paths to graduation.
- Even though the upfront cost is higher, students who meet the requirement are likely to have more financial stability while they are in school.
Also Read Fast-Track Work Permits
Should you think about going to school outside of Quebec?
In 2026, students looking into study visa options for Canada may also compare Quebec to other provinces. Most of the time:
- Proof of funds outside of Quebec is still lower
- But in other provinces, tuition may be higher.
- The cost of living is very different from one city or province to another.
Choosing the right province depends on several things:
- Fees for school
- Cost of living
- Language choices
- Long-term immigration goals
Helpful tips for Quebec study applicants on how to plan their finances
- Start saving at least a year and a half in advance.
- Keep your bank statements clean and well-organized.
- Don't make big deposits without a good reason.
- Look into scholarships based on merit early on.
- For compliance reasons, work with an academic visa consultant who is regulated.
In 2026, having strong financial documents can greatly increase your chances of getting a study permit.
Also Read What are the new rules for Canada PR
Step 2: Apply for Your Canada Work Permit
Once the LMIA is approved, you can submit your work permit application from outside Canada. During the application, you must clearly indicate that your LMIA was issued under the Global Talent Stream. Most eligible applicants receive a decision within two weeks, allowing them to start working in Canada much sooner than usual.
Why Nova Scotia Is Growing in Popularity
- High demand for healthcare professionals, IT workers, educators, and trades
- Accessible immigration streams under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
- Lower housing costs compared to large metropolitan cities
- Strong community integration and settlement support
Key Questions Proof of Funds for a Quebec Study Permit
Quebec raised the proof of funds demand to make sure that international students are capable of supporting themselves financially and to keep up with rising living costs. The goal is to make things less stressful financially after you get there and to cut down on the need for illegal work.
No, paying tuition in advance does not lower Quebec’s proof of funds requirement. No matter if they have already paid their tuition, students still need to show that they have enough savings to pay for living expenses.
Quebec now needs a little more proof of funds than the majority of provinces for small families. But the cost of living and tuition may still be lower in Quebec than in cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
In the long run, is Quebec nevertheless a good place for international students to go to school?
Quebec continues to be one of the best places in Canada to study, even though it costs more to do so. Its universities, cultural diversity, and job opportunities after graduation continue to attract people from all over the world. But being financially ready is no longer up for debate.
Quebec is still a great place for students to study and establish a future abroad if they plan, make reasonable expenditures, and write strong applications. For individuals looking into how to apply for a study permit in Canada in 2026, knowing about these changes early on can make a big difference.
