Canada Settlement Funds Calculator 2026 — Exact Amounts by Family Size
How much money you need to show IRCC for Express Entry, by family size, updated to the official July 2025 table used for 2026 applications.
2026 Settlement Funds Table (Official IRCC Figures)
| Family Size | Funds Required (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional member | +$4,112 |
Source: canada.ca, last updated July 7, 2025. Figures are set at 50% of Statistics Canada's Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) and are typically revised each summer.
Who Actually Needs to Show This
Only Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP) applicants need to prove settlement funds. Two groups are exempt:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants — exempt entirely, regardless of bank balance, since you are assumed to already be working and established in Canada.
- Anyone with a valid job offer and authorization to work in Canada — even under FSWP or FSTP.
The system still asks everyone to upload a proof-of-funds document. If you qualify for an exemption, upload a letter explaining which one applies instead of bank statements.
How Family Size Is Counted
This is where most applicants under-count. Family size includes yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, and both your and your partner's dependent children — even if some of them:
- Are Canadian citizens or permanent residents already
- Are not coming to Canada with you
A married applicant with two children generally must show funds for a family of four, whether or not the whole family is relocating together.
What Counts as Valid Proof
Your funds must be available, transferable, and unencumbered:
- Available — withdrawable within days, not locked in a 5-year GIC or pension
- Transferable — legally movable to Canada, even from countries with currency controls
- Unencumbered — free of debt. You cannot borrow the money or use home equity
You need an official bank letter (on letterhead) from every institution where you hold funds, listing account numbers, opening dates, current balance, 6-month average balance, and any outstanding debts. Cryptocurrency is not accepted — liquidate to cash in a traditional account first.
Common Mistakes
- Letting the balance drop after submission — funds must stay above the threshold from application until your PR visa is issued, and can be re-checked at the medical exam or port of entry.
- Unexplained large deposits — a sudden deposit isn't disqualifying, but needs a gift deed or asset-sale proof or it can trigger delays.
- Ignoring exchange rate risk — if your funds are in INR, NGN, PHP or another non-CAD currency, IRCC converts at the processing-date rate. Keep a CAD $1,000–2,000 buffer above the minimum.
- Forgetting a non-accompanying dependent — a child staying behind still counts toward family size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do PNP nominees need to show settlement funds?
If you're invited through an Express Entry-aligned PNP stream, you must still meet the funds requirement of the underlying federal program (usually FSWP), plus whatever the nominating province separately requires.
Can my spouse's money count if the account is in their name only?
Yes, but you must prove you have legal access to it. A joint account with an accompanying spouse is the cleanest way to avoid this question entirely.
Does a job offer with LMIA still exempt me from proof of funds?
Yes. Even though LMIA job offers stopped adding CRS points in 2026, the proof-of-funds exemption for a valid job offer still applies.