Từ ngày 1/1/2026, chính phủ Quebec sẽ tăng hơn gấp ba mức proof of funds (chứng minh tài chính) dành cho sinh viên quốc tế nộp hồ sơ xin giấy phép du học (study permit). Đây là thay đổi lớn ảnh hưởng đến cả người nộp hồ sơ mới lẫn du học sinh đang gia hạn giấy phép.

The article below will explain in detail the increase, the reasons, and the process of proving financial resources according to Quebec and IRCC requirements.

1. What is Proof of Funds?

Proof of Funds (POF) là minh chứng tài chính cho thấy người nộp hồ sơ có đủ khả năng chi trả:

• Tuition
• Living expenses
• Travel expenses
• Expenses for accompanying persons (spouse, dependent children - collectively referred to as dependents)

This is a mandatory requirement at two levels for Quebec international students:

1. Provincial level – when applying for a CAQ (Quebec Acceptance Certificate)
2. Federal level – when applying for a study permit with IRCC

2. Quebec Increases Financial Proof Levels From 2026

Quebec has a special agreement with the federal government that allows the province to set its own financial limits for international students and temporary workers. As a result, Quebec's POF is higher than other Canadian provinces.

Below is a comparison table of financial proof levels up to December 31, 2025 and from January 1, 2026:

Financial Proof of Funds (CAD) Table

Profile size	By December 31, 2025	From January 1, 2026
1 person under 18 years old	7,756	24,617
1 person 18 years of age or older	15,508	24,617
2 people 18 years of age or older	22,745	34,814
2 people + 1 child under 18	25,479	42,638
2 people + 2 children under 18	27,499	49,234

Note:

• This is the cost of living, not including tuition and travel expenses.
• Applicants must demonstrate all three cost categories to be granted a CAQ and study permit.

3. When Do Quebec International Students Need to Prove Financial Resources?

A student studying in Quebec must demonstrate financial means several times during his or her studies:

You need POF in the following cases:

1. Apply for CAQ for the first time
2. Applying for a study permit for the first time
3. CAQ extension (if the study program is extended)
4. Extend your study permit at IRCC

Important Note:

• Quebec and IRCC use the same source of proof of funds.
• Candidates do not need additional money, just need to demonstrate clearly and consistently at both stages.

4. What Documents Are Accepted as Proof of Funds?

The Quebec government publishes a list of acceptable documents. Applicants may use one or a combination of the following:

Acceptable documents:

• Proof of recent transfer of funds to an account in Quebec
• Foreign money transfer license (if the country has foreign exchange restrictions)
• Scholarship or grant confirmation letter, stating the amount per month/year
• Latest payslip showing current earnings
• Bank letter, confirming balance (Quebec has a standard form)
• Most recent Notice of Assessment
• Bank statement for the last 3 months, with account holder's name and balance
• Savings book with proof of ownership

Practical suggestions:

• Consistent and consistent bank statements increase reliability.
• Financial proof of the sponsor (parents) must be legally binding.

5. Why Did Quebec Increase the Financial Proof Level?

In line with a Canada-wide trend, financial requirements are tightening to:

• Ensure international students are able to pay for themselves
• Reducing the risk of dependence on the welfare system
• Adjusting to the rising standard of living in Quebec

The more than three-fold increase is a drastic adjustment to ensure international students have sufficient financial resources throughout their studies.

Conclusion

Quebec’s increase in financial proof requirements from 2026 is a major change that will have a significant impact on study abroad plans. Those planning to study in Quebec should:

• Prepare clear finances
• Arrange documents before the increase
• Consider other states if budget is limited

If you need to analyze the appropriate route for your profile, you can contact us for support to update the latest policies.