Canadian student visa: how is financial proof made in 2025
Canada is one of the most sought after destinations for Brazilian students, and the government will implement changes in the amount of financial evidence, but the good news is that, with the right planning, you can prepare properly for this stage.
What changed in the financial statement in 2025?
The biggest change that will take effect in September 2025 is the increase in the minimum amount required for living expenses. Now, you'll need to prove CAD $22,895 per year to cover your personal expenses in Canada.
This represents an increase of nearly 11% over the previous amount of CAD $20,635. It may seem like a high amount, but remember: this amount is to ensure that you can stay in the country without financial difficulties, focusing on studies instead of worrying about money.
Why did the amount increase?
The Canadian government based this update on official cost-of-living data from Statistics Canada. The objective is simple: to ensure that international students arrive in the country with adequate resources to live with dignity.
As we have already highlighted in our article about how Canada revolutionizes the distribution of study visas, the country is taking a more selective and judicious approach to the approval of student visas.
Calculating your “magic number”: how much do you really need?
Financial proof is not just a fixed amount. You need to add up three main components:
1. Tuition Fees for the first year
The document that proves this cost is the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issued by your Canadian institution.
2. Annual cost of living: CAD $22,895
This is the new minimum amount that must be available for your personal expenses. Important: this amount is yonder of monthly fees and travel costs. But there are strategies that Be Easy can help you with.
Table of values for 2025 (outside Quebec):
- 1 person: CAD $22,895
- 2 people: CAD $28,502
- 3 people: CAD $35,040
- 4 people: CAD $42,543
- 5 people: CAD $48,252
3. Travel costs
You need to prove that you have money for the round trip ticket. A safe estimate would be to reserve between CAD $1,500 and CAD $2,500 per person.
Accepted methods to prove your funds
Bank statements: the most traditional option
Statements from the last 3 to 6 months are the most common method. But beware: immigration officers analyze the entire history, not just the final balance.
What to avoid:
- Mass deposits (high amounts that appear suddenly)
- Accounts with inconsistent transactions
- Balances that fluctuate dramatically without explanation
GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate): your best strategy
The GIC is like an investment you make in a Canadian bank before you even travel. By transferring CAD $22,895 for this investment, you eliminate any doubts about the legitimacy of your funds.
Why is GIC so powerful?
- Prove that the money is already in Canada
- Eliminate suspicions about the origin of the funds
- Demonstrates planning and commitment
- The Canadian bank has already validated its resources
Family sponsorship
If your parents or family members are going to support you financially, the documentation must be impeccable:
- Notarized sponsorship letter
- Sponsor bank statements (6 months)
- Proof of income (payroll, tax return)
- Document that proves kinship
Educational Loans
If you choose financing, make sure it's specifically a student loan. Generic personal loans are viewed with more suspicion by immigration officers.
The special situation of Quebec
Quebec has its own rules! The required values are different:
- A person under 18: CAD $7,756
- A person 18 years of age or older: CAD $15,508
- Two people aged 18+: CAD $22,745
In addition, students going to Quebec must first obtain the Certificate of Acceptance du Québec (CAQ) before applying for a federal visa.
Errors that could harm your application
The danger of “mass deposits”
Imagine that you have CAD $5,000 in your account for months and you suddenly deposit CAD 30,000 two weeks before applying for the visa. That's a giant red light for any immigration officer!
How to do it right: Accumulate funds gradually over 6 to 8 months. If you need to make a large deposit (sale of car, property), document everything and include a letter of explanation.
Poorly organized documentation
Immigration officers review hundreds of applications. If yours is disorganized, it increases the chances of refusal.
Organization checklist:
- Part of the translated documents
- Clearly named files (ex: "Extrato_Janeiro2025.pdf “)
- Explanation letter summarizing your financial plan
- Complete documents (no missing pages)
Practical tips from Be Easy to ensure approval
1. Start planning in advance
The financial process doesn't begin when you decide to apply for the visa. Ideally, start organizing your finances 8 to 12 months in advance.
2. Exceed the minimum amount
If possible, demonstrate that you have a little more than the minimum required. This creates a safety margin and shows financial stability.
3. Create a written financial plan
Include a letter in your application explaining:
- Where does the money come from
- How do you intend to stay in Canada
- How much will you spend on each category (housing, food, etc.)
4. Consider the type of program
If you're considering a Public College in Canada Or a Private College in Canada - Co-op, remember that each program has specific characteristics that may impact your costs.
As we explored in our article on Private or public college in Canada: which one is more likely to immigrate?, the choice of the type of institution may affect not only your costs, but also your future prospects in the country.
What to expect from the process in 2025
With the changes implemented, including the end of the Student Direct Stream (SDS), all students now go through the regular assessment process. That means:
- Closer analysis of each application
- Potentially longer processing time
- Greater importance of the quality of the documentation
The scenario may seem more challenging, but as we showed in our article about Trending Careers in Ontario 2025, opportunities in Canada remain excellent for those who prepare properly.
Family Reunion: An Important Consideration
A common question among our students is about taking the family. If you're wondering if the Canada allows family reunion during college program, know that it is possible, but this directly impacts the necessary financial proof.
Final checklist before submitting your application
Before submitting your documents, make sure you have:
✓ Complete financial documentation:
- Bank statements (4-6 months)
- GIC proof (highly recommended)
- Sponsorship letter (if applicable)
- Sponsor income receipts
✓ Academic documents:
- Official Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
- Translated and apostilled school transcript
- Certificates of language proficiency
✓ Impeccable organization:
- All translated documents
- Well-named files
- Letter explaining the financial plan
Be Easy
Getting a Canadian student visa may seem like a no-brainer, but with the right planning and proper guidance, you can do it! Na Be Easy, our specialized team helps you at every stage of the process, from financial planning to arrival in Canada. Don't let red tape get in the way of your dream of studying at one of the best schools in the world. Contact us and turn this complex experience into a smooth and successful journey!
