Proof of Funds for Express Entry — Amounts & Tips (2025 Guide)

1. What Is Proof of Funds for Express Entry?

Proof of funds is money you must show to prove that you can support yourself (and your family) when you move to Canada as a permanent resident. IRCC publishes a minimum required amount based on your family size and updates it regularly.

Proof of funds is mainly required for:

• ✔ Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
• ✔ Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

2. Who Needs Proof of Funds — and Who Is Exempt?

You need proof of funds if:

• ✔ You are applying under FSW or FSTP
• ✔ You do not have a valid job offer in Canada (for some cases)
• ✔ You are outside Canada when applying

You may be exempt if:

• ✔ You are applying under Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• ✔ You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and are authorized to work in Canada

Always confirm your specific situation on the official IRCC website, as rules can change.

3. How Much Money Do I Need to Show?

The required amount depends on your family size — even if they are not coming with you to Canada.

IRCC updates the official table regularly. As a general idea, the more family members you have, the higher the required funds.

Example (for understanding only):

Family Size	Minimum Funds (Approximate)
1 person	Base amount set by IRCC (e.g. around 5-figures CAD)
2 persons	Higher than 1 person requirement
3+ persons	Increases with each additional family member

These are not official figures. Always refer to the current official IRCC proof of funds table before applying.

4. What Types of Funds Are Accepted?

IRCC wants to see that your funds are:

• ✔ Available
• ✔ Transferable to Canada
• ✔ Not borrowed (no loans taken just to show funds)

Acceptable examples:

• ✔ Savings accounts
• ✔ Fixed deposits / term deposits
• ✔ Joint accounts (if you and spouse are both on it)
• ✔ Certain investment accounts that can be liquidated

Usually not acceptable by themselves:

• ❌ Property value (house, land)
• ❌ Cars or gold without being sold
• ❌ Loans taken for proof of funds

5. What Should the Bank Letter Contain?

IRCC requires an official letter from your financial institution. A strong bank letter generally includes:

• ✔ Your name and account numbers
• ✔ Date of opening each account
• ✔ Current balance
• ✔ Average balance for the past 6 months
• ✔ Contact details of the bank (address, phone, email)
• ✔ Bank stamp and/or signing officer name

6. Joint Accounts and Spousal Funds

If you are married, your spouse’s funds can be counted as part of proof of funds, especially if:

• ✔ The account is joint; or
• ✔ Your spouse provides a signed letter confirming that you have full access to the funds

Make sure your marriage certificate and relationship proof are clear and consistent.

7. Common Mistakes That Lead to Problems

• ❌ Large sudden deposits right before applying, without explanation
• ❌ Only showing closing balance, no history
• ❌ Using funds that actually belong to someone else
• ❌ Submitting informal letters without bank letterhead or stamp
• ❌ Mixing business accounts without explanation

If you do have a large recent deposit (e.g., property sale, matured investment), explain it in a Letter of Explanation and attach supporting documents.

8. Business Owners and Proof of Funds

Business owners often have funds in company accounts. IRCC usually expects:

• ✔ Clear separation of business vs personal funds; or
• ✔ Legal documents showing that business funds are personally accessible (e.g. dividends, salary, profit distribution)

Add a short explanation letter, especially if business accounts are used.

9. When Are Funds Checked?

IRCC may review your funds:

• ✔ At the time of PR application submission
• ✔ Again, before final decision (in some cases)

You must ensure that your funds remain available and do not drop below the minimum requirement.

10. Proof of Funds & CRS Score

Proof of funds does not directly affect your CRS score, but it is a mandatory eligibility condition for some programs. Even with a high CRS, your PR application can be refused if your funds do not meet IRCC requirements.

You can estimate your CRS here:
CRS Score Calculator →

Quick Checklist — Strong Proof of Funds File

• ✔ Bank letter with all required details
• ✔ 6 months statements for main accounts
• ✔ Explanation for large deposits
• ✔ Spouse consent letter (if using spouse’s funds)
• ✔ Funds consistently above IRCC minimum

Need Help Reviewing Your Proof of Funds?

You can email your profile and bank letter for guidance:

info@maplerouteimmigration.ca

This article is for educational purposes and is based on publicly available IRCC guidance. Always confirm current proof of funds amounts on the official IRCC website before applying.