The Express Entry system allows Canada to actively recruit, assess and select skilled immigrants under the three Federal High Skilled economic-class immigration programs:  the Federal Skilled Worker Class; the Federal Skilled Trades Class; and the Canadian Experience Class.

While settlement funds are not compulsory for those applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and those with a valid job offer, applicants to prove that they have a certain amount of savings in order to qualify without a job offer in the Express Entry-managed Federal Skilled Worker Class; and the Federal Skilled Trades Class.

Settlement funds are required in order to demonstrate that immigration candidates have the means to establish themselves and their family in Canada and pay for initial costs, such as accommodation. 

Settlement funds are required unless the applicant:

• Is currently authorised for working in Canada and,
• Has a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.

The amount of money you need to support your family is set by the size of your family. To calculate the size of your family you must include:

• yourself
• your spouse or partner
• your dependent children and
• your spouse’s dependent children

This includes your spouse or dependent children who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

This table shows the minimum amount you need to immigrate to Canada in 2020. If you have more money, you should list the full amount in your profile or application.

Applicants should note that borrowed money cannot be used to meet the thresholds. They need to use the money cover costs of living for their family. This applies even if the family is not accompanying the applicant to Canada.

IRCC has advised candidates to review the new figures to ensure they continue to meet the financial requirements of the Express Entry class under which they are registered, and to keep their funds updated in their Express Entry profile. 

Applicants whose spouses are is coming with them can count money that they have together in a joint account. An applicant may also be able to count money in an account under their spouse only, but you must prove you have access to the money.

What Does IRCC Accept As Proof?

IRCC requires that the funds must be readily available to you. For example, you can not use equity on real property as proof of settlement funds.

The funds must be available both when you apply and when (if) IRCC issues you a permanent resident visa. You must prove to an immigration officer that you can legally access them to use to settle here when you arrive.

For proof, you must get official letters from any banks or financial institutions where you are keeping money.

Letter(s) must:

• be printed on the financial institution’s letterhead
• include their contact information (address, telephone number and email address)
• include your name
• list outstanding debts such as credit card debts and loans
• include, for each current bank and investment account:
  • account numbers
  • the date each account was opened
  • the current balance of each account
  • the average balance for the past six months

NOTE: IRCC updates the proof of funds numbers every year based on 50 per cent of the low income cut-off totals. The changes are small but there is a chance it could affect your eligibility. Be sure to check the new numbers to your own once they’re posted.