On July 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially announced its annual update to the Proof of Funds (PoF) requirements for candidates applying through the Express Entry system. These updates apply to both new applicants and those already in the pool under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs.
The new minimum financial thresholds will come into effect on July 28, 2025. Candidates must ensure that their Express Entry profiles reflect the updated amounts to remain eligible for future rounds of invitations.
1. Updated Proof of Funds Thresholds by Family Size
To be eligible under FSW or FST, candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family upon settlement in Canada. The updated minimum amounts are as follows:
| Family Size | Required Funds (CAD) |
| 1 person | $15,263 |
| 2 people | $19,001 |
| 3 people | $23,360 |
| 4 people | $28,362 |
| 5 people | $32,168 |
| 6 people | $36,280 |
| 7 people | $40,392 |
| Each additional family member (above 7) | +$4,112 |
2. What Counts as “Family Size”
For the purposes of calculating PoF, family size includes:
- The principal applicant;
- The spouse or common-law partner, if applicable;
- All dependent children, whether accompanying the applicant or not, and regardless of their Canadian citizenship or PR status.
3. Required Actions Before July 28, 2025
To maintain an active and eligible Express Entry profile, candidates applying under FSW or FST must:
- Update their Proof of Funds information to reflect the new required minimum amount;
- Act before July 28, 2025 — profiles that do not meet the updated thresholds after this date may become ineligible for draws;
- Note: Updating PoF will not affect the date of profile creation or the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
4. Who Is Exempt from These Requirements
The updated PoF thresholds do not apply to the following categories:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants;
- Candidates with a valid qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer (typically supported by an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt employer under an eligible stream).
5. Basis for Annual Adjustment
PoF requirements are reviewed annually based on 50% of the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) figures published by Statistics Canada. These figures reflect the minimum income needed to meet basic living standards in Canada and are adjusted annually to reflect inflation and economic conditions.
Conclusion
This update to the Proof of Funds requirement is part of IRCC’s standard annual policy review and aims to ensure that all new immigrants are financially prepared to support themselves upon arrival in Canada. To avoid profile ineligibility or delays in future draws:
- Update your profile by July 28, 2025, if you are applying under FSW or FST;
- Ensure accuracy in calculating family size, and maintain clear documentation of financial holdings;
- Monitor IRCC communications for any further updates or clarifications.
Maintaining compliance with PoF requirements is essential to remain competitive and eligible within the Express Entry system. Ensure your profile meets current standards to avoid disruptions in your immigration process.
