Maple News reports that Canada has tightened financial checks for study permit applications, with updated guidance published on the government website on July 24, 2026.
Key elements of the update include that officers must scrutinize both the amount and the source of funding, and that the source of funds must be assessed in every case.
Officials may review and verify supplementary financial and employment documentation to ensure applicants are genuine students who can support themselves for the program’s duration.
This update removes the previous qualifier that such enhanced scrutiny would occur only in ‘very high-risk environments’ and states that decisions to request additional documents should be based on the facts of the application rather than assumptions about indigence or non-bona fide applicants.
For proof of funds, the instructions now require six months of bank statements, including the current month or the month immediately preceding submission, replacing the prior requirement of the past four months.
For study permit renewals, the fund threshold is to be assessed based on the first year after extension.
Examples of acceptable proof of funds have been expanded to include pension income and rental income, while the previous example of a bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars has been removed.
Maple News notes that these changes could affect applicants and institutions planning for study immigration, potentially increasing preparation and verification steps. We will continue to monitor developments.