Proof of funds

On this page

• Who needs proof of funds
• How much money you need
• What we accept as proof

Who needs proof of funds

Proof of funds is how you show us that you have enough money to settle in Canada. If we invite you to apply, you must give written proof that you have this money.

You need proof of funds to meet the minimum requirements of the:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program

Who doesn't need proof of funds

You don’t need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family if:

• you’re applying under the Canadian Experience Class
• or
• you’re authorized to work in Canada and you have a valid job offer, even if you apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program

Keep your funds up to date in your profile. The system may find that you’re eligible for more than 1 program. You don’t always know ahead of time which program you’ll be invited under.

The system currently asks all applicants to provide a proof of funds document. If you don’t need to provide proof of funds, you must upload a letter explaining either that you have:

• been invited to apply under the Canadian Experience Class, or
• a valid job offer and authorization to work in Canada

How much money you need

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

This table shows the minimum amount you need to immigrate to Canada. If you have more money, you should list the full amount in your profile or application.

How to calculate the size of your family

To calculate the size of your family, include:

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

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

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

What we accept as proof

Your funds must be available to you both when:

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

You need a bank letter

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

These letters 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 for the past 6 months

You must have legal access to the funds

You must prove to us that you can legally access the money here when you arrive.

For example, this means:

• 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.