Express Entry Proof of Funds Requirements for Canada

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Express Entry proof of funds requirements determine whether an applicant must show settlement money, how much must be available, and how those funds must be documented. The requirement generally applies to Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program applicants, while Canadian Experience Class applicants and some applicants with valid work authorization and a qualifying job offer may be exempt. The minimum amount depends on family size and is updated by IRCC annually. Applicants who must provide proof need official financial documents showing that the funds are available and legally accessible. Borrowed money and equity in real property cannot be counted as settlement funds.

Who Needs Proof of Funds for Express Entry?

Proof of funds is required for some Express Entry applicants to show that they have enough money to settle in Canada. Whether it is required depends on the Express Entry program the applicant qualifies under and, in some cases, their work authorization and job offer. Other Express Entry eligibility factors, such as work experience, language test results and, where applicable, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), are assessed separately.

Applicants Who Need Proof of Funds

Applicants generally need proof of settlement funds if they are applying under:

IRCC requires these applicants to show that they have enough money to support themselves and their family when settling in Canada.

Applicants Who Do Not Need Proof of Funds

Proof of funds is not required if the applicant:

is applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC); or
is authorized to work in Canada and has a valid job offer, even if applying under the FSWP or FSTP.

A work permit, including a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), by itself does not necessarily make a job offer valid for Express Entry. The job offer must meet the applicable IRCC requirements.

A valid job offer can affect whether an applicant under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program must show settlement funds. As of November 3, 2026, certain qualifying job offers in eligible high-wage occupations can also receive CRS points. However, the proof-of-funds exemption and CRS job-offer points are separate rules, so a job offer does not need to qualify for high-wage CRS points to be relevant to the proof-of-funds exemption.

If the Applicant Is Exempt

The Express Entry system currently asks all applicants to upload a proof-of-funds document. If proof of funds is not required, the applicant should instead upload a letter explaining that they were invited to apply under the Canadian Experience Class or that they have a valid job offer and authorization to work in Canada.

After Express Entry draws, candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply must submit the documents required for their application, including proof of funds when applicable. Some Express Entry draws are conducted through category-based selection, but candidates must still qualify under an eligible Express Entry program.

Applicants should also keep the funds information in their Express Entry profile accurate because it can affect Express Entry eligibility and the system may determine that they qualify for more than one program.

How Much Proof of Funds Is Required for Express Entry?

The minimum amount of settlement funds an applicant needs to immigrate to Canada depends on their family size.

Current Minimum Funds

1 family member: CAD $15,263
2 family members: CAD $19,001
3 family members: CAD $23,360
4 family members: CAD $28,362
5 family members: CAD $32,168
6 family members: CAD $36,280
7 family members: CAD $40,392
More than 7: add CAD $4,112 for each additional family member

IRCC last updated these Express Entry proof-of-funds amounts on July 7, 2025.

Who Counts Toward Family Size?

For proof-of-funds purposes, the applicant must include:

themselves
their spouse or common-law partner
their dependent children
their spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children

A spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child must still be counted even if they are not accompanying the applicant to Canada or are already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

If the applicant has more than the minimum amount required, IRCC instructs them to declare the full amount available in their Express Entry profile or application.

Proof of Funds Requirement Changes

IRCC reviews and updates the minimum settlement fund amounts annually. The required amounts are based on 50% of Canada’s low-income cut-off totals.

If IRCC changes the required amount while a candidate is already in the Express Entry pool, the candidate should update the settlement funds listed in their Express Entry profile to make sure they continue to meet the applicable requirement.

Candidates should check the latest IRCC proof-of-funds amounts before submitting or updating an Express Entry profile and again before submitting an application for permanent residence.

How to Show Proof of Funds for Express Entry

The Express Entry documents checklist depends on the applicant’s circumstances. Applicants who are required to show settlement funds must provide evidence that the money is available, legally accessible, and supported by official financial documents. IRCC requires official letters from the banks or financial institutions where the applicant holds accounts.

Bank Letter Requirements

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

the institution’s address, telephone number, and email address
the applicant’s name
outstanding debts, such as loans and credit card debts
account numbers
the date each account was opened
the current balance of each account
the average balance for the previous six months

The letter must include the required information for each current banking and investment account the applicant has with that financial institution.

Access to the Funds

The applicant must be able to legally access and use the money for settlement in Canada. During the Express Entry application process, the funds must be available both when the permanent residence application is submitted and when IRCC issues the permanent resident visa, if the application is approved.

If an accompanying spouse or common-law partner shares a joint account with the applicant, those funds can be counted. Money held only in the spouse or partner’s account may also be considered if the applicant can prove access to it.