Proof of funds (living costs)
This is the minimum IRCC asks you to show for living costs, excluding tuition and travel, for all provinces and territories except Quebec.
| People in your family (including you) | Applications from Sep 1, 2026 | Jan 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,448 | $22,895 |
| 2 | $29,192 | $28,502 |
| 3 | $35,888 | $35,040 |
| 4 | $43,572 | $42,543 |
| 5 | $49,419 | $48,252 |
| 6 | $55,736 | $54,420 |
| 7 | $62,054 | $60,589 |
| Each additional person | $6,318 | $6,170 |
Bank statements should cover the past 6 months. For Quebec, you must meet the amounts set by Quebec's immigration ministry (MIFI) for the CAQ instead.
The 2026 study permit cap
IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026: 155,000 to newly arriving students and 253,000 extensions — 7% lower than the 2025 target of 437,000.
| Group | 2026 target |
|---|---|
| Master's and doctoral students at public institutions (PAL-exempt) | 49,000 |
| Kindergarten to grade 12 | 115,000 |
| Other PAL-exempt students | 64,000 |
| Students who need a PAL/TAL | 180,000 |
| Total | 408,000 |
2026 allocations by province and territory (PAL/TAL-required)
| Province / territory | Issuance target | Application spaces |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 70,074 | 104,780 |
| Quebec | 39,474 | 93,069 |
| British Columbia | 24,786 | 32,596 |
| Alberta | 21,582 | 32,271 |
| Manitoba | 6,534 | 11,196 |
| Saskatchewan | 5,436 | 11,349 |
| Nova Scotia | 4,680 | 8,480 |
| New Brunswick | 3,726 | 8,004 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2,358 | 5,507 |
| Prince Edward Island | 774 | 1,376 |
| Northwest Territories | 198 | 785 |
| Yukon | 198 | 257 |
| Nunavut | 180 | 0 |
| Total | 180,000 | 309,670 |
Nunavut has no application allocation because it has no designated post-secondary institutions.
Who needs a PAL/TAL
A PAL/TAL is a letter from the province or territory confirming there's space for you under the cap. You don't need one if, for example, you're:
- a master's or doctoral student at a public institution (from January 1, 2026);
- a preschool, primary or secondary (to grade 12) student;
- an exchange student paying no tuition to the Canadian school;
- in Canada extending your permit at the same school and level.
2026 letters are valid until December 31, 2026. Since January 22, 2025, you need a new PAL/TAL before applying if you change schools. IRCC's page lists every exemption.
Fee and work rights
- Fee: $150 (plus $85 biometrics if required).
- Work off campus: up to 24 hours a week during regular terms, unlimited during scheduled breaks, if your program is at least 6 months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
- Spouses: only spouses of certain students (such as master's programs of 16 months or more, or doctoral programs) can get an open work permit — see the spousal open work permit guide.
After graduating, see the PGWP guide.