色狐入口

10 Frequently Asked Questions about Proof of Funds for Express Entry

Vimal Sivakumar
Published: May 27, 2024

As of May 27, (IRCC) will update the proof of funds (POF) requirement for candidates.

This requirement is updated annually by IRCC, reflecting the low-income cut-off total published that year by Statistics Canada (StatsCan). As a reminder, IRCC鈥檚 POF requirement represents the minimum amount of funds an applicant must have to immigrate to Canada through an Express Entry program.

Note: Candidates with more money than the minimum requirement should list the full amount in their Express Entry profile or on their application.

To help Express Entry candidates better under this requirement, 色狐入口 has compiled a list of frequently asked questions.

Candidates who do not update their POF by May 27, the day before IRCC鈥檚 update takes effect, will see their Express Entry profile deemed ineligible.

This means that the candidate will have to submit a new Express Entry application from scratch.

Showing proof of funds is necessary for meeting the minimum requirements of both IRCC鈥檚 (FSWP) and the (FSTP).

Express Entry candidates applying through the (CEC) are not required to demonstrate proof of funds.

Note: Some FSWP and FSTP candidates are not required to show proof of funds (see question seven below).

Proof of funds must be provided using official letters from any bank or financial institution where the candidate has an account.

IRCC clarifies that letters submitted to the department must be printed on the financial institution鈥檚 letterhead and include the following information:

  • The institution鈥檚 contact information (address, telephone number and email address)
  • The candidate鈥檚 name
  • The candidate鈥檚 outstanding debts (credit card debts, loans etc.)
  • Account details for each banking and investment account currently open by the candidate at the institution*

*IRCC needs account numbers, the date the account was opened, current account balances and the average account balance for the past six months.

Under the following circumstances, IRCC allows Express Entry candidates to use money that is tied to their spouse as part of their proof of funds.

  • If an Express Entry candidate is being accompanied to Canada by their spouse, money from a joint account is permissible for POF
  • Money in an account solely in a spouse鈥檚 name may be used for POF if the Express Entry candidate can prove they have access to the money

IRCC notes that, in part due to requirements surrounding what is acceptable for a candidate鈥檚 POF (see question four), Express Entry candidates 鈥渂orrow [money used for POF] from another person.鈥

Yes. This is because both FSTP and FSWP candidates, who would normally be required to show proof of funds to IRCC, will be exempt from this requirement if they are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer.

Proof of funds is required (equivalent in Canadian dollars) at the time of application submission and applicants should maintain the required funds at all times until a final decision is made.

IRCC reserves the right to request updated settlement funds at any time, and this may occur if there鈥檚 a significant fluctuation in the currency.

It is not uncommon for Express Entry candidates to see a material change in their situation, either financially or otherwise, after they submit their profile.

The candidate is responsible for promptly updating their profile following any changes that occur. Failure to do so may result in the candidate鈥檚 profile becoming ineligible for Express Entry, particularly if the change that took place impacts the individual鈥檚 ability to meet the eligibility criteria for any of the three programs managed under the Express Entry system.

More: Click here to learn more about how to deal with Express Entry profile changes that occur after receiving an (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.

Proof of funds can be a hard and complex topic to understand. Retaining the services of a certified Canadian immigration lawyer can make things easier because they can help candidates and applicants with:

  • Preparing any necessary documents
  • Ensuring that critical mistakes are avoided
  • Responding to the Canadian government
  • Using their expertise to avoid unnecessary delays throughout the Express Entry immigration process

IRCC makes proof of funds a requirement for some immigration candidates as a way of proving they have enough money to support themselves and any eligible family members who come with them to Canada. The department's proof of funds requirement changes annually. Therefore, it is important to remain up-to-date with StatsCan and their low-income cut-off to ensure that candidates have the required funds to immigrate to Canada. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the refusal of the application.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Destination Canada holds virtual job fair for bilingual candidates
A person siting in the living room, preparing for a virtual interview online.
Live Webinar: Mortgage Basics: A Newcomer鈥檚 Guide to Financing a 色狐入口 in Canada
TD
IRCC issues 1,000 invitations to apply in latest Express Entry draw for French speakers
A scenic view of downtown Calgary during a summer sunset.
Saskatchewan introduces two new PNP pathways for skilled newcomers
Bridge over river in Saskatoon
Top Stories
What鈥檚 the difference between Canadian permanent residency and Canadian citizenship?
Destination Canada holds virtual job fair for bilingual candidates
5 things international students can do to improve their chances at receiving a Canadian PR
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Study
5 things international students can do to improve their chances at receiving a Canadian PR
A female student sits at a desk and writes in a big book
How many hours can you work as an international student in Canada?
Students stare at a laptop on a table in front of them
Tips for starting school: A checklist for international students studying in Canada
What to do if your study permit application is rejected
Happy woman using computer and taking notes while following online class from home.
Link copied to clipboard