Study Permit Changes, AI Immigration Screenings, LMIA Rules and Other September 2025 Canada Updates

Minimum Funds Required for Study Permit Increased

The amount of funds that students will require in order to obtain a Canadian study permit has increased.

As of 1 September 2025, students will now need to show proof of having at least CAD$22,895 when applying. This is an increase of CAD$2,260 from the previous figure.

This requirement only applies to students applying for a study permit on or after 1 September 2025 and not students currently in Canada with a valid permit.

The amount of funds needed for additional family members has also increased. For example, a student bringing one family member with them to Canada will require CAD$28,502, while two additional family members will require CAD$35,040.

Proof of funds can be demonstrated in a number of ways, including evidence of funds being transferred to a reputable Canadian bank, proof of an approved bank loan, or a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).

AI Screening Tools Rolled Out in Canadian Ports of Entry

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have started rolling out a new AI screening system in certain Canadian land ports of entry.

The system, called the Travel Compliance Indicator (TCI), will aid immigration officers when assessing and screening travellers entering Canada.

According to reports, the TCI utilises AI to determine a compliance score for each traveller based on factors such as their travel history, means of transport, the type of ID they are using and details of their vehicles. The system then attempts to predict whether a traveller will be likely to comply with customs and immigrations regulations, information regarding which the officers will use to decide if the traveller will be subject to a secondary inspection.

The TCI is currently being used in six land ports of entry in Canada, the locations of which have not yet been disclosed. It is expected that the system will be rolled out to all land ports of entry by late 2027, with sea and air ports of entry also expected to adopt the system later on.

Implementation of the system has been described as a way to “improve the traveller experience” by reducing wait times at ports of entry and cracking down on false positives that may cause issues for travellers who otherwise are fully compliant with regulations.

Changes to Labour Market Impact Assessment Guidelines

Guidelines for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) have been updated, with employers now facing stricter rules on advertising for jobs.

As of September 2025, Canadian employers now must use the the “Direct Apply” feature on Canada’s National Job Bank website in order to obtain a positive LMIA. Not meeting this requirement or not considering all applications received through the Direct Apply feature on the Job Bank may result in a rejected LMIA application.

Prior to this change, employers were required to post vacancies on the Job Bank for at least four consecutive weeks in addition to two other outlets. However, the Direct Apply function was an optional feature that employers were not required to use.

The Direct Apply feature makes it easier for candidates to apply for jobs on the National Job Bank by submitting their application directly on the platform itself.

New English Language Test Option to be Made Eligible for Immigration Applications

A new type of English language test is planned to be added to the list of tests eligible to be used for Canadian immigration applications.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) will become the fourth type of English language test eligible for applicants. IRCC currently only accept the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP),
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the Pearson Test of English (PTE Core) as valid English tests that can prove language ability for immigration.

It has not yet been confirmed when the TOEFL will be accepted by IRCC. According to the Education Testing Service (ETS), the body that administers the test, they are working with IRCC on “the steps leading up to acceptance and will share timing and test location details once confirmed”.

The TOEFL exam covers four key skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and utilises what ETS describe as an “engaging, task-based design” in its method of assessment.

The test will become available for applicants in streams such as Express Entry programs, Atlantic Immigration Program and Provincial Nominee Programs.

How Can IAS Help With Your Canadian Immigration Application?

IAS have a team of immigration consultants and caseworkers experienced in the field of Canadian immigration.

Our CICC-qualified immigration consultants can help you with numerous facets of Canadian immigration, including skilled worker, family, student or provincial-based immigration.

We can also give close guidance and support on Express Entry and the CRS, helping you to maximise your chances of being accepted for one of Canada’s prestigious immigration programmes.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help on your situation today. Call us on +1 844 290 6312 or reach out to us online.