Proof of funds for a study permit

Overview

Proof of funds for a study permit

IRCC expects evidence that the student can pay tuition, living expenses and transportation without depending on unauthorized employment. The minimum living-cost amount is a floor, not a promise that the proposed budget is credible.

Calculate the household’s first-year need

Add unpaid tuition, IRCC’s current living-expense amount for the student and accompanying family, and return transportation. Consider higher local housing costs when the proposed city is expensive.

For a program longer than one year, explain how later years will be funded rather than showing only a short-lived balance.

Show where the money came from

Use several months of statements, income records, loan documents, scholarship letters and tuition receipts. A large new deposit needs a traceable explanation such as a property sale or matured investment.

Borrowed money disguised as savings can undermine credibility even when the closing balance is high.

Document a sponsor’s capacity and commitment

A support letter should identify the relationship, amount and purpose. Pair it with the sponsor’s bank history, employment or business records, tax material and existing obligations.

If several relatives contribute, make each contribution easy to follow instead of presenting unrelated accounts.

Make the numbers agree everywhere

The forms, study plan, tuition receipt and bank evidence should use consistent figures and currencies. Explain exchange-rate assumptions and restricted funds.

Avoid claiming that future off-campus work will cover a funding gap; student work is limited and never guaranteed.