Express Entry Proof of Funds: How Much You Need and What Counts
Proof of funds is the money you show IRCC to prove you can support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. A single applicant needs $15,263 CAD, and the amount rises with family size (IRCC, checked October 2026). You are exempt if you can work in Canada and have a valid job offer, or if you apply through the Canadian Experience Class.
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What is proof of funds?
Proof of funds is evidence that you have enough money to settle in Canada without help from the government. IRCC sets the minimum by family size and updates the table from time to time.
You show it with official bank letters. The money must be yours, and you must be able to use it when you land.
Do I need proof of funds?
Most Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program applicants need it. You do not need it if you can work in Canada and have a valid job offer, or if you apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
Why it matters
- Eligibility: missing funds can end your application
- Planning: the money must be in place before you apply
- Proof: bank letters take time, so ask early
- No CRS points: funds do not raise your score
Do you need to show funds?
A quick check before you gather bank letters.
You need proof of funds if you
- Apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Lack a valid job offer, or lack permission to work in Canada
You can skip it if you
- Apply under the Canadian Experience Class
- Can work in Canada and have a valid job offer
See the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program or the Canadian Experience Class. Then see the Express Entry document checklist. Also see the PR government fees.
How much you need, by family size
IRCC lists these minimums by family size. Check the live table before you apply. Source: IRCC.
1 person
$15,263 CAD
2 people
$19,001 CAD
3 people
$23,360 CAD
4 people
$28,362 CAD
5 to 7 people
$32,168 for 5, $36,280 for 6 and $40,392 for 7. Add $4,112 for each person after 7.
Not sure how much you need?
We count your family size and review your accounts so you show the right amount.
Rules to know before you show your funds
Job offer exemption
If you can legally work in Canada and have a valid job offer, you do not need to show settlement funds.
Canadian Experience Class
If you apply under the Canadian Experience Class, you do not need to show settlement funds.
The bank letter
Use the bank letterhead. It must show contact details, your name, debts, account numbers, opening dates, balances and the average balance for the past 6 months.
Funds you can reach
You must be able to use the money legally when you arrive in Canada.
What does not count
Equity in property and borrowed money do not count as proof of funds.
Check the table date
IRCC lists amounts effective 7 July 2025 on a page it modified on 22 June 2026. Check the live table before you apply.
Related pages
These pages cover programs, points and the Express Entry process.
How to prove your funds
Five actions take you from your family size to your upload.
Find your family size
Count yourself, your spouse or partner and your dependent children.
Pick your amount
Find your family size in the IRCC table.
Gather your accounts
List every account that holds money you own and can reach.
Get your bank letters
Ask each bank for a letter on its letterhead with the details IRCC lists.
Upload after your ITA
If IRCC invites you to apply, upload the letters with your application.
Want your funds checked first?
We review your accounts and your bank letters before you apply.
How to show your proof of funds, step by step
Six steps from your first check to your upload.
Check for an exemption
If you can work in Canada and have a valid job offer, or you apply under the Canadian Experience Class, you can skip this.
Find your amount
Match your family size to the IRCC table.
Gather your accounts
Use money you own and can reach. Leave out borrowed money and property.
Request bank letters
Banks take time. Ask early, and ask for the 6-month average balance.
Check access
Make sure you can legally use the money in Canada when you arrive.
Upload after your ITA
Upload the letters when IRCC invites you to apply. Check the live IRCC table first.
Five mistakes that sink proof of funds
These mistakes cost time or put your application at risk.
Counting borrowed money
Loans and borrowed money do not count as proof of funds.
Counting property
Equity in a home or other property does not count.
Using an old table
IRCC changes the amounts from time to time. Check the live table before you apply.
Skipping the 6-month average
The bank letter must show your average balance for the past 6 months.
Showing funds you cannot reach
You must be able to use the money in Canada when you arrive.
Proof of funds facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC, checked October 2026.
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Proof of funds FAQs
How much proof of funds do I need for Express Entry?
A single applicant needs $15,263 CAD. The amount rises with family size, to $19,001 for 2 people, $23,360 for 3 and $28,362 for 4 (IRCC, checked October 2026).
How much do I need for a family of 5, 6 or 7?
You need $32,168 CAD for 5 people, $36,280 for 6 and $40,392 for 7. Each person after 7 adds $4,112 CAD.
Who is exempt from proof of funds?
You are exempt if you can work in Canada and have a valid job offer. You are also exempt if you apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
What documents prove my funds?
Official bank letters on letterhead. They must show the bank contact details, your name, debts, account numbers, opening dates, current balances and the average balance for the past 6 months.
Can I use borrowed money or property as proof of funds?
No. Borrowed money and equity in property do not count. You must own the money and be able to use it in Canada.
Does proof of funds give me CRS points?
No. It is an eligibility requirement for some programs, not a CRS factor. See how points work in our CRS guide.
When do I upload proof of funds?
You upload it with your application after IRCC invites you to apply. Ask your banks for letters before you enter the pool, because letters take time.
Do the proof of funds amounts change?
Yes. IRCC updates the table from time to time. The table we used is effective 7 July 2025 on a page IRCC modified on 22 June 2026, so check the live table before you apply.
Does the Federal Skilled Trades Program need proof of funds?
Yes, unless you can work in Canada and have a valid job offer. The Canadian Experience Class does not ask for settlement funds.