Express Entry Proof of Funds: What You Need to Know for Canadian Immigration

Key Takeaways

• Not all applicants need to demonstrate proof of funds as part of their application.
• Applicants with a valid job offer may be exempt from providing proof of funds.
• The proof of funds threshold changes on a yearly basis, usually around May.
• Applicants must show at least the minimum amount of funds required for their family size.
• Only certain documents can be used to demonstrate sufficient funds.

Do I need Proof of Funds for Express Entry?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the authority that sets the proof of funds requirement for permanent residency, and that depends on three main factors:

1. The specific immigration program for which you received your invitation to apply
2. Whether or not you were awarded points for a job offer under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System
3. Your current work status in Canada.

Use the simple chart below to find out if you may need to show Express Entry proof of funds.

If you fall into a category that requires you to show Express Entry proof of funds, you probably now want to know exactly how much money you need to prove for your Express Entry application.

The proof of funds threshold increases annually based on 50% of the low-income cut-off. The thresholds were last updated on July 7, 2025.

Express Entry Proof of Funds for 2025

The minimum requirements for proof of funds are based on the number of family members included in your application, including a spouse or common-law partner.

How Family Size is Calculated.

The amount of money you need to show is based on your family size, which includes the principal applicant, any accompanying spouse or common law partner, and dependent children. A common law partner is considered the same as a spouse for the purposes of calculating family size and proof of funds. Funds held in a common law partner’s account can be included if they accompany the applicant. You must include your spouse (married or common-law) and dependent children, even if they are already Canadian citizens or permanent residents or if they are not coming with you to Canada.

What Documents are Accepted for Proof of Funds?

The funds you are required to show must be available to you at the time you apply and at the time your permanent residence visa is issued.

Applicants must provide written proof of funds from a financial institution. For proof, the main document accepted is an official letter from your bank or other financial institutions. The official letter must be printed on the financial institution’s letterhead and include the following information:

• The name and contact information of the financial institution;
• The applicant’s name
• The account details including account numbers, the date the account was opened, the current account balance, and the average balance for the last 6 months.
• Any outstanding debts (credit cards, loans, etc).

Official letters from financial institutions serve as verification and must be submitted as part of the application. You should submit letters and bank statements from all financial institutions where your funds are held.

As part of the documentation, you should also include 6 months of bank statements. These bank statements must show the current balance and average balance for the last six months.

The funds must be legally accessible to you; money borrowed from others or equity from real property cannot be used as proof of funds. The immigration officer will count money in your accounts to verify that you have sufficient funds.

Can Funds in a spouse’s Name be Used?

Yes, funds in the name of the principal applicant or their spouse or common law partner can be used, provided the spouse or common law partner is listed as accompanying in the application.

You must prove you have access to the money by providing documentation, such as a letter from your spouse or common law partner, authorizing access to the funds.

What Happens if I have a Lump Sum Deposit in my Account for the Funds?

Any lump sum in your account should be explained. The immigration officer will review the source of any lump sum deposits to ensure the funds are legitimate and acceptable. The funds will not be accepted if the processing office suspects the funds are not legally yours to use. For this reason, you should provide a clear explanation of how you acquired the funds.

Join the Moving2Canada community to get immigration updates to your inbox and get a personalized checklist for the entire Express Entry process! Register here.