Canada Raises Required Funds for Atlantic Immigration Program

Starting July 29, 2025, Canada has increased the minimum funds needed to immigrate through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). People applying to move to Atlantic provinces must now show more money than before. The amount needed has gone up by about $140 compared to last year.

For example, a single person must now have at least $3,815 to qualify. This is a 3.89% increase from $3,672 in 2024. Families need to have more money based on how many members they have.

Settlement funds requirement by family size

The amount of money you must show depends on your family size. Here is the updated list for 2025:

• 1 person: $3,815
  
• 2 people: $4,750
  
• 3 people: $5,840
  
• 4 people: $7,090
  
• 5 people: $8,042
  
• 6 people: $9,070
  
• 7 people: $10,098
  
• Each additional person over 7: $1,028
  

If you already work in Canada on a valid work permit, you do not need to meet this funds requirement.

Who counts as family?

Your family size includes yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children, and dependent children of your spouse or partner. You must count your spouse and children even if they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or if they will not come to Canada with you.

What counts as proof of funds?

To prove you have enough money, you must get official letters from your bank or financial institution. These letters must:

• Be printed on official letterhead
  
• Show your name
  
• Include the bank’s contact details (address, phone, email)
  
• List any debts you owe
  
• Give details about each account, like account number, date opened, current balance, and average balance over six months
  

You must also prove you can use the money once you arrive in Canada. You cannot count borrowed money or the value of property you own. If your spouse comes with you, you can show money from a joint account or your spouse’s account if you can access the money.

About the Atlantic Immigration Program

The AIP helps skilled foreign workers and recent graduates move to Atlantic Canada. It covers New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

To apply, you need a job offer from a designated employer in one of these provinces. The job offer must also be approved by the province.

Applicants must be either skilled workers with experience inside or outside Canada, or recent graduates from a recognized school in Atlantic Canada.

The program also requires certain levels of education, language skills, and enough money to settle.

After getting a job offer that the province supports, candidates can apply to the federal government for permanent residence.

Applicants can also get a special work permit for up to two years. This lets them work while waiting for their permanent residence to be approved.