Immigration Corner | Do I have to prove that I have money?

Dear Miss Powell,

I am interested in becoming a permanent resident in Canada. Can you tell me if I need to prove that I have money? How much is required for me and my two children? I’m not with their mothers, but would like to take them with me. What will I need to show as proof?

AE

Dear AE,

If you are planning to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, or the Federal Skilled Trades Programmes via the Express Entry System, you must show that you have enough money to settle yourself and your family. This is called proof of funds. It is a way for the Canadian government to be sure that you will be able to support yourself once you arrive.

The amount you need depends on the number of people in your family, even if they are not coming with you right away. Since you mentioned that you have two children, you will be considered a family of three.

According to the latest information updated by the Canadian government on July 7, 2025, you will need to show a minimum of CDN$23,360 for yourself and your two children. If you were planning to bring more family members, you would need to add an additional amount for each person. So, if you plan to add a spouse or common-law partner, then you would need a minimum of CDN$28,362.

Proof of funds must be readily available to you both when you submit your application and when you are contacted to receive your permanent resident visa. This money cannot be borrowed. You must be able to use it to pay for your family’s living expenses when you land in Canada. If you are relying on funds in an account that belongs to your spouse or another person, you must prove that you have legal access to that money.

PROOF REQUIRED

To prove that you have the required funds, you will need to get official letters from any banks or financial institutions where you keep your money. These letters must be printed on the bank’s letterhead and include specific details. Each letter must show the bank’s contact information, your name, your outstanding debts such as credit cards or loans, and full details of all your current banking and investment accounts. For each account, the bank must state the account number, the date you opened the account, the current balance, and the average balance over the last six months.

It is important to know that you cannot count property equity, motor vehicle or major equipment as part of your settlement funds. If you own a house, you cannot say that you will sell it later to cover you living expenses. Also, you cannot rely on a promise from someone else to give you the money later. You must have full and legal access to the full amount when you are applying up until you arrive in Canada.

Even though you said you are not with the mothers of your children, you must still show that you can support them. The funds must be enough to cover the cost of living for your whole family, even if they don’t travel with you to Canada at the same time.

If you have more questions about preparing your application, about providing proof of funds or need help gathering the right documents, it is best to consult with a Canadian immigration lawyer or visit the official website, www.canada.ca, for detailed guidance. Proper representation and preparation can make a big difference in your application’s success.

Deidre S. Powell is a Canadian lawyer and mediator. Contact her via Facebook, Telephone or WhatsApp: 613-695-8777