Settlement Funds — Required Liquid Assets for PR Applicants
The minimum amount of liquid funds an Express Entry FSW or FST applicant must show they have available to settle their family in Canada. Set per family size, indexed annually by IRCC. CEC applicants are exempt.
What are settlement funds?
Settlement funds are the minimum liquid funds IRCC requires Express Entry FSW or FST applicants to show — proving they can support themselves and family upon arrival in Canada.
The amount is per family size, indexed annually by IRCC.
2026 settlement-funds requirements (indexed; check IRCC published current figures)
| Family size | Settlement funds required (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | ~14,690 |
| 2 people | ~18,288 |
| 3 people | ~22,483 |
| 4 people | ~27,297 |
| 5 people | ~30,690 |
| 6 people | ~34,917 |
| 7+ people | 39,144 + 4,227 per additional |
Who needs to show settlement funds
- FSW applicants without arranged employment — required
- FST applicants without arranged employment — required
- CEC applicants — never required (Canadian work experience is the anchor)
- FSW/FST with valid arranged Canadian employment + valid work authorization — exempt
What counts
Eligible:
- Bank accounts (chequing, savings) — current balance
- Investment accounts (mutual funds, stocks, bonds easily liquidated)
- GICs in Canadian banks
- Money market funds
Not eligible:
- Real estate equity (not liquid)
- Retirement accounts with early-withdrawal penalties (unless the penalty-paid amount is shown)
- Borrowed funds — loans, credit, mortgages are explicitly excluded
- Funds your family has but you can't access
Family size — how it's calculated
Family size includes you + your spouse/common-law partner + dependent children + your spouse's dependent children — whether they're accompanying you or not.
Stability matters
Officers want to see stable balances over time, not sudden infusions:
- Show 6+ months of statements
- Source any large deposits with documented explanation
- Avoid the "borrowed for the application" pattern — IRCC officers see it constantly
Halani's note
Plan settlement funds 6 months before applying — gives time to accumulate stable balance + document source. Borrowing money for proof-of-funds is a red flag we routinely have to address.
Not sure how Settlement Funds applies to your file?
Halani Immigration Services Inc. — Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB R711322). Free eligibility assessment, no obligation.
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