Canada tightens study permit rules and renewal checks

Canada has introduced stricter checks on study permit applications, focusing on the amount and source of applicants' funds while keeping the minimum proof of funds requirement unchanged.

Immigration officers are now instructed to review six months of bank statements instead of the previous four months for proof of funds.

For study permit renewals, officers must assess if applicants have sufficient funds for the first year following the extension.

The updated guidance adds pension income and rental property income as acceptable proof of funds examples.

Officers may now request additional financial documents based on the facts of the application, removing the previous high-risk environment qualifier.