Who counts toward settlement funds for Canada’s Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program generally requires proof that you can support your family after arriving in Canada. The minimum depends on family size. Include a spouse or common-law partner and dependent children even if they are staying abroad or are already Canadian citizens or permanent residents. IRCC’s eligibility instructions exempt applicants who are already living and working in Canada with a valid work permit.
Count family members before looking up the amount
Count yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children, and your partner’s dependent children. For example, if you move first and your spouse and one dependent child plan to join you later, use the three-person row in IRCC’s AIP table. Look up the current amount in Canadian dollars before filing. Build your household’s actual relocation budget separately.
If you expect the exemption to apply, check that you are already living and working in Canada and that your permit is valid. Keep the permit and evidence of your current employment. If you have only an offer or are waiting for a permit decision, check your actual status before relying on the exemption.
Check that you can use the money
IRCC requires the funds to be available when you apply and when it issues the permanent resident visa. You must be able to access them legally on arrival. Home equity and funds borrowed from another person do not count. If your spouse is coming with you, you can count money held together in a joint account. For an account in your spouse’s name alone, you must show that you can access the funds.
Request official bank letters
Ask each relevant bank or financial institution for a letter on its letterhead. Check that it includes the institution’s contact details, your name and outstanding debts. For each current bank or investment account, check the account number, opening date, current balance and average balance over the past six months. If you hold funds in more than one currency, note the currency and balance date for each account before comparing the total with the Canadian-dollar threshold.
Check the balance again before committing to major spending while the application is pending. If you plan to use part of the savings for a deposit on a home, calculate what will still be accessible after the payment. For help reviewing the evidence, bring your family count, bank letters and any current Canadian work permit to 卓越移民 Premiervisa Group.
Sources checked 6 November 2026
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