- Canada Updates :- Canada plans to welcome 900,000 international students by 2023, with India as the top source country. This is an increase from the current target of 600,000 international students. The government is targeting India because it is the largest source of international students for Canada.
- Australia Updates :- The Australian government has announced that it is streamlining the visa processing system for international students. This means that students can expect their visas to be processed more quickly. Moreover, The Australian government has increased the number of scholarships available to international students. The new scholarships are worth up to AUD$20,000 each.
Canada’s Cost of Living Requirement for Student Visas Is Changing – Here’s What It Means for You
Canada’s Cost of Living Requirement for Student Visas Is Changing – Here’s What It Means for You
Attention Future Canada Students!
Navigating policy changes is part of every successful international student’s journey.
Effective September 1, 2025, Canada is revising its cost of living requirement for international students. At Blue Horse Education, we see this not just as a policy update but as a crucial factor shaping your financial readiness and visa success strategy.
Why Is Canada Increasing the Requirement?
This is not just a number adjustment. It reflects deeper policy objectives:
- Cost of Living Alignment
Adjusting financial requirements in line with Canada’s inflation ensures international students are better prepared for actual living expenses. - Student Welfare and Protection
Ensures students arrive with adequate funds, reducing vulnerability to financial distress or exploitative work conditions. - Policy Compliance
Aligns with the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) standards used by Canada to define financial sufficiency for newcomers.
Who Will This Impact?
- Students applying on or after September 1, 2025 must show a minimum of CAD $22,895 for living expenses (apart from tuition).
- Applications submitted before September 1, 2025 will be assessed under the current CAD $20,635 requirement.
- Existing study permit holders remain unaffected unless they apply for a new permit post this date.
How Can You Demonstrate Financial Proof?
IRCC recognises multiple forms of financial evidence, including:
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): CAD $22,895 or above
- Recent bank statements: Showing liquid funds available
- Educational loans or scholarships: Issued by recognised institutions
- Sponsor letters: Clearly stating financial responsibility for the student
What Does This Mean Strategically for Students?
- Earlier financial planning is now non-negotiable. Rising living costs could impact students from regions with weaker currency exchange rates or restricted family incomes.
- Applications should reflect updated requirements well in advance to avoid last-minute rejections.
- Budgeting realistically beyond GIC is critical. Accommodation, local transportation, books, and health insurance remain separate from this cost of living requirement.
How Blue Horse Education Helps You Adapt
At Blue Horse Education, our approach goes beyond routine application processing. We specialise in:
- Strategic financial document planning to align with IRCC’s updated norms
- Pre-application audits to ensure accuracy, sufficiency, and compliance
- Advisory-driven application filing for faster approvals and minimal rework
Final Thoughts
Changes like these are part of Canada’s evolving immigration ecosystem. The key is not to be reactive but to integrate such updates proactively into your study abroad plan.
If studying in Canada is your goal for 2025 or beyond, now is the time to prepare with clarity and confidence.
Let’s Strategise Your Canada Study Journey
Get in touch with Blue Horse Education today for tailored guidance on financial readiness, document structuring, and visa application excellence.
Contact us to begin.
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