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The Announcement Suggests An All-Program Express Entry Draw Is Imminent For Federal Skilled Worker Program And Federal Skilled Trades Program Candidates.
Canada has updated the number of funds Express Entry candidates need to immigrate.
TheĀ changesĀ apply to Express Entry candidates in theĀ Federal Skilled Worker ProgramĀ (FSWP) and theĀ Federal Skilled Trades ProgramĀ (FSTP). It does not apply to candidates from these programs who have a valid job offer in Canada.
FSWP and FSTP candidates who do not have Canadian job offers will need the following amounts to remain eligible for immigration:
| Number of family members | Funds required in CAD |
|---|---|
| 1 | $13,213 |
| 2 | $16,449 |
| 3 | $20,222 |
| 4 | $24,553 |
| 5 | $27,847 |
| 6 | $31,407 |
| 7 | $34,967 |
| Each additional family member | $3,560 |
If your proof of funds documents show less than these amounts, you will have to update your Express Entry profile no later than July 15, 2021. Updating your profile does not change the date and timeĀ Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship CanadaĀ (IRCC) received your profile. So, you will keep your rank if you are in aĀ tie-breakerĀ situation.
The announcement suggests IRCC is planning to hold an Express Entry draw for FSWP and FSTP candidates for the first time in 2021. As part of a pandemic measure, Canada has only been holding draws forĀ Canadian Experience ClassĀ (CEC) andĀ Provincial Nominee ProgramĀ (PNP) candidates. These programs have high numbers of candidates in Canada who are not necessarily required to provide proof of funds.
Before the pandemic, IRCC would announce inĀ JanuaryĀ the new proof of funds for the year. In 2021, IRCC has made the update in July.
The delay could be an indicator that the department had no intension in January of holding all-program Express Entry draws at that time. Now mid-way through the year, the situation has changed. Public health measures are starting toĀ roll backĀ as more Canadians are getting vaccinated.
IRCC originally stopped holding all-program draws after Canada first went into lockdown in March 2020. All-program Express Entry draws resumed in July, 2020. There was also a FSTP draw in August. Based on this precedent, and the updated proof-of-funds, this year is not ending without an all-program Express Entry draw.
What does Canada accept as proof of funds?
If you get invited to apply for permanent residence, you will need written proof that you have enough money to settle in Canada.
According to theĀ government webpage, for your proof of funds you will need official letters from your bank or financial institution.
Letters must:
- be printed on the financial institutionās letterhead;
- include the institutionās address, phone number, and email;
- include your name;
- list outstanding debts such as credit card debts and loans; and
- include, for each bank and investment account, the actual numbers, date each account was opened, current balance of each account, and the average balance for the past six months.
Funds must be readily available to you when you apply and when IRCC issues you a permanent residency visa. Meaning they cannot be in the form of equity. And, you cannot borrow them from another person.
If your spouse is coming with you, you can count the money you have together in a joint account. If you can prove you have access to an account under their name only, you may be able to count it too.