Proof of funds

To apply for this stream when it opens, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you get to Canada.

How much money you need

The amount of money you need to support your family is based on the size of your family.

To calculate the size of your family, include:

• yourself
• your spouse or common-law partner
• your dependent children
• your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children

You must include your spouse or common-law partner and all dependent children, even if they’re:

• Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• not coming to Canada with you

The table below is updated annually and shows the minimum amount you need to immigrate to Canada. This amount may change when the Applicants not working in Canada stream opens.

What we accept as proof

Your funds must be available to you both when

• you apply
• we issue your permanent resident visa (if we approve your application)

You must prove to us that you can legally access the money when you arrive. For example, this means that

• you can’t use equity on real property as proof of settlement funds
• you can’t borrow this money from another person

You must be able to use this money to pay for your family’s costs of living (even if they aren’t coming with you).

• If your spouse is coming with you, you can count money you have together in a joint account.
• You may be able to count money in an account under your spouse’s name only, but you must prove you have access to the money.

Types of proof

Your proof can be 1 or more of the following:

• bank account statements
• documents that guarantee payment of a set amount of money payable to you (such as banker’s drafts, cheques, traveller’s cheques or money orders)

For proof, you must get official letters from any banks or financial institutions where you have an account.

The letter(s) must be printed on the financial institution’s letterhead and include

• the bank or institution’s contact information (address, telephone number and email address)
• your name
• your outstanding debts (such as credit card debts and loans)
• these details for each current banking and investment account you have with them
  • account numbers
  • date each account was opened
  • current account balances
  • average balance over the past 6 months

How much money you should bring

It’s a good idea to research how much it costs to live in the place where you plan to settle in Canada.

Bring as much money as you can to make moving and finding a home in Canada easier. Note that Canadian customs regulations require you to declare if you’re bringing more than CAN$10,000 into Canada. If you don’t tell them, you may be fined, and your funds could be seized.