2026 guide
Proof of funds for Express Entry
Most Express Entry applicants must prove they can support themselves on arrival. The required amount scales with family size and changes yearly — here is how the rule works and how to document it without tripping over the common mistakes.
What proof of funds is
Proof of funds is evidence that you have enough settlement money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada, since most Express Entry newcomers are not allowed to count on social assistance. It is a settlement requirement, not a fee — the money is yours to use after you land, but you must show it is available and genuinely accessible at the time you apply.
Who must show it
Proof of funds is required for the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs. It is not required for the Canadian Experience Class, and you are also exempt if you are currently authorised to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, even under the other programs. If you are unsure which program you fall under, that is worth settling first, because it determines whether this requirement applies to you at all.
How the amount is set
The required amount scales with the size of your family — counting you, your spouse or partner, and your dependent children, including any not coming with you. IRCC publishes a table that rises with each additional family member, and it updates the figures roughly once a year in line with low-income data. Because the exact dollar amounts change, this guide deliberately does not quote a figure that could go stale: check the current proof-of-funds table on canada.ca for your family size before you rely on a number. The structure, though, is stable — more family members means more required funds.
What counts — and what does not
The funds must be readily available, transferable, and free of debt or obligation. That generally means money you can access and move — savings, certain readily redeemable investments, and balances you legally control. It generally does not include the equity in your property, the value of assets you would have to sell, or money you have borrowed. If a relative gives you money, it usually needs to be a genuine, documented gift that is in your account and available, not a loan.
Acceptable evidence
The standard evidence is official letters from the financial institutions holding your money, printed on their letterhead, listing your accounts, current balances, average balance over a recent period, and any outstanding debts. The letter needs the institution's contact details and your account information. Multiple accounts or institutions can be combined to reach the threshold, as long as each is documented the same way.
Common mistakes
- Last-minute large deposits. A sudden lump sum with no history invites questions; assessors look at how long the money has been available.
- Counting unusable assets. Property equity, vehicles and pension balances you cannot withdraw do not count.
- Forgetting family members not migrating. Dependents who stay behind still count toward your required family size.
- Letting it lapse. You must continue to meet the requirement through to landing, not just on the day you submit.
See where you actually stand
Calculate your CRS score on the official 2026 grid in under two minutes.
Calculate my CRS score →This is general information about Canadian Express Entry, not immigration or legal advice. Rules, fees and figures change — always confirm the current details on the official Government of Canada (canada.ca) pages or with a licensed immigration representative before acting. The CRS no longer awards points for a job offer; those points were removed by IRCC on 25 March 2025.