Many foreign nationals who wish to apply for Canadian permanent residency must show that they have the ability to financially support their resettlement to Canada. While spousal sponsorship applicants and refugee claimants are exempt from this requirement, the vast majority of economic immigration applicants will be required to show proof of means of financial support.

This provision applies to applicants through most Express Entry classes of immigration and provincial nominee applicants. Notably, candidates applying through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and candidates applying through the province of Quebec are exempt from this requirement. If you are applying through an economic immigration class, carefully review the program requirements to determine whether you will need to demonstrate settlement funds. Also, ensure that you fully understand what is required to prove your own capacity for financial support.

Proof of means of financial support

In order to meet the proof of means of financial support, applicants from the following programs must show adequate funds:

• Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry)
• Federal Skilled Trades (Express Entry)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

The funds for this requirement cannot be borrowed from another person. All applicants must be able to use the money to pay cost of living for their family (even if spouse and children are not accompanying). If an applicant is applying with their spouse, both partners may submit financial records to meet this requirement. Please note that applicants to not require proof of funds if they are currently authorized to work in Canada and hold a valid job offer.

How much money you will need

The proof of funds requirement is based off of a person’s family size. When calculating a family size, the following family members count towards the total amount:

• Principal applicant
• Principal applicant’s dependent children
• Spouse or common-law partner
• Spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children

The required minimum amount for proof of funds is listed below. Please note that this amount is updated annually based on Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements.

What is accepted as proof

All proof of funds must be in the name of the principal applicant and/or their spouse or common-law partner. The funds cannot be borrowed from someone else. The funds must be available at the time of application and throughout the application processing up until permanent residency has been issued. The government reserves the right to request updated financial records at any point throughout the application processing. Applicants must submit letters from financial institutes where they keep their money. These letters must include the following:

• Printed on the financial institution’s letterhead
• Include the financial institution’s contact information
• Include the name of the applicant
• List any outstanding debts or loans
• Include the following information for each account:
  • Account numbers
  • Date of opening
  • Current balance of each account
  • Average balance for the previous six months

Any documentation deviating from this risks refusal at the discretion of the immigration officer assessing the file.