Proof of Funds for Canada: Express Entry and Study Permit Amounts in 2026

Canada wants newcomers to be able to pay for housing, food, and other costs while they settle. Some programs set a minimum amount of money you must show, and others let officers judge whether you have enough.

Use our proof of funds tool to find the amount for your family size, then read the rules below for your program. The amounts change, usually once a year, so always check the current IRCC page before you apply.

You must show proof of funds if you apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. IRCC's table, updated July 7, 2025 (still the current table as of September 2026):

Family size includes you, your spouse or partner, and your dependent children, even if they are not coming to Canada with you.

You don't need proof of funds if:

• You apply under the Canadian Experience Class, or
• You are currently authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, under any Express Entry program

IRCC normally updates this table once a year. If it changes after you create your profile, update your profile to meet the new amount.

Your funds must be available and unencumbered. That means:

• The money is yours (or held jointly with your accompanying spouse), and you can use it when you arrive
• It is not borrowed. Loans, credit lines, and money from a friend that you must repay don't count
• It is not tied up in property. Equity in a house doesn't count

Documents: official letters from each bank or financial institution where you keep money, printed on letterhead, showing your name, account numbers, the date each account was opened, the current balance, and the average balance over the last 6 months. Also include a list of any debts.

Large recent deposits raise questions. If money was recently moved or gifted, explain the source with documents, such as a sale agreement or a gift deed and the giver's bank records. A gift is usually acceptable if it is truly a gift and not a loan.

You must still have the funds when you land in Canada, and the officer may ask to see proof.

For a study permit outside Quebec, you must show tuition for your first year, travel costs, and living costs. IRCC's living-cost table for applications received on or after September 1, 2026:

For applications from January 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026, the amount for one person was $22,895. Quebec sets its own amounts for the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

Accepted proof includes a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution, bank statements for the last 6 months, proof of paid tuition, scholarships or funding letters, and proof of a parent's or sponsor's income, such as employment letters and tax documents.

• Counting the wrong family size. Include non-accompanying family members for Express Entry.
• Showing only a current balance. IRCC wants the 6-month history, not just today's number.
• Using borrowed or property money. It doesn't count for Express Entry.
• Unexplained deposits. Always document the source of large or recent deposits.
• Letting funds drop after the invitation. You must keep the required amount until you land.
• Fake bank letters. Officers verify documents. False documents are misrepresentation and can lead to a 5-year ban. See inadmissibility.