Canadian Experience Class proof of funds: none needed, unless the invitation names another program

The Canadian Experience Class asks for no settlement funds, but Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) warns that someone who qualifies for more than one Express Entry program cannot always know which one the invitation will name. The program on the invitation, not the one you aimed for, decides whether you must show money.

An adviser who tells a Canadian Experience Class candidate to set aside settlement funds is doing one of two things. Either the rule of the Federal Skilled Worker Program has been carried over to a class that does not have it, or the adviser is covering the chance that your invitation names that program instead. Ask which, because only the second is a reason to hold money back.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requires proof of funds for the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs only. Even under those two, it is not needed if you are authorised to work in Canada and hold a valid job offer.

Why the invitation matters

IRCC's own page says the system may find you eligible for more than one program, and that you do not always know in advance which one you will be invited under. Someone with Canadian work experience who also meets the skilled worker criteria is in exactly that position until the invitation arrives.

Invited under the Canadian Experience Class, you upload a letter saying so where the application asks for a funds document. Invited under the skilled worker program, without both a valid job offer and permission to work in Canada, you need the bank letters after all.

The fees for this class

The fee above is what IRCC charges the main applicant: a processing fee, the right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics. A spouse or partner pays the same two main fees; each dependent child pays a smaller processing fee only.

Paid to IRCC:

• A processing fee for each person, the right of permanent residence fee for you and your spouse or partner, and biometrics for each person aged 14 or over, capped for a family applying together.

Paid to the consultant or lawyer:

• Their professional fee, on a line of its own.

What to ask before you sign:

1. Under which program does the quote assume you will be invited, and what changes if the invitation names the other?
2. Is any part of the fee for preparing proof of funds, and would that work be needed under this class?
3. If you hold a valid job offer and are authorised to work in Canada, which removes the funds requirement under every program, has the quote counted that?
4. Does the quote include biometrics for each person, even those who gave them for a work permit?
5. Does the total use the fees in force on the day IRCC will receive your application?

If a licensed consultant or a lawyer has sent you a retainer agreement or a quote for your permanent residence application, choose yes at the first question in the box below and each item is checked against IRCC's published rules and the prices firms on file publish for this route. With only a total, choose no and enter it. The check compares a document or a figure with the published rules, and does not look at your application or advise on it; for advice on your own case, speak to a licensed immigration consultant or a lawyer.

General information, not legal advice.