Express Entry proof of funds

Who counts in your family size

Count yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children and your partner's dependent children.

They all count even if they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and even if they are not coming to Canada with you. Leaving a child out because they are staying behind is one of the easiest ways to show too little.

Who needs proof of funds, and who does not

• You need it for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
• You do not need it if you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class, or if you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, even under the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades Program.

The online system still asks every applicant for a proof-of-funds document. If you are exempt, upload a short letter explaining which exemption applies. Because you may be eligible for more than one programme and do not always know which one you will be invited under, keep your funds recorded in your profile anyway.

What the bank letter must show

Get an official letter from every bank or financial institution where you hold money, printed on its letterhead, showing:

• the institution's contact details (address, telephone number and email address)
• your name
• your outstanding debts, such as credit card debt and loans
• the date each account was opened
• the current balance of each account
• the average balance over the past 6 months

The money must be available to you both when you apply and when IRCC issues your permanent resident visa. A balance that drops between the two is a problem. If your accounts are outside Canada, read proof of funds when your money is held abroad.

Money that does not count

• Equity in property: you cannot use the value of a house or land as settlement funds.
• Borrowed money: you cannot borrow the funds from another person.
• Money you cannot legally access when you arrive in Canada.

Money in a joint account with a spouse who is coming with you counts. Money in an account in your spouse's name alone may count, but you must prove you can access it.