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.
In order to meet the proof of means of financial support, applicants from the following programs must show adequate funds:
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.
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:
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.
Number of Family Members | Funds Required |
---|---|
1 | $13,757 |
2 | $17,127 |
3 | $21,055 |
4 | $25,564 |
5 | $28,994 |
6 | $32,700 |
7 | $36,407 |
For each additional family member | $3,706 |
Required amount as of May, 2023 |
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:
Any documentation deviating from this risks refusal at the discretion of the immigration officer assessing the file.
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