Do I Need Proof of Funds for a PR Visa?

Introduction

In case you are seeking an Australia PR Visa or a permanent residency permit in some other country, very often you will be asked to show proof of funds, which is the most common requirement.

Still, what are settlement funds, and how much should you prove? The guide below gives you the answers about minimum settlement funds for PR and their impact on your visa procedure.

What Is Proof of Funds?

Proof of funds is the necessity of money to show that you can cover the living expenses of yourself and your family after migration. It is not a charge but rather a confirmation of your financial stability to start afresh in a new country without depending on public aid.

Most of the immigration programs, like the PR Visa for Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, require applicants to submit the latest bank statements, fixed deposits, or selling-off investment documents indicating liquid assets.

Why Proof of Funds Is Important

The government authorities are keen that the new immigrants do not become a burden on the state:

The first costs, like housing, traveling, and buying essentials, must be covered
They should be able to live on their savings until they find jobs.
They should also be able to integrate with the rest of the community without any financial pressure.

For the Australian PR Visa, these funds play the role of showing your capacity to live autonomously while looking for the right job.

How Much Money Do You Need?

The lowest amounts of settlement funds for PR depend on the country you are going to, the number of family members, and the type of visa.

A rough guide would be:

Australia PR Visa (Skilled Independent – Subclass 189): The Government does not set any official minimum. However, it is recommended for a single person to have AUD 20,000–25,000 and for families, AUD 30,000–40,000.
Canada PR Visa: amounts vary from CAD 14,700 for singles to CAD 27,000 for a family of four (in 2025).

Do not forget that these funds must be unconditionally available and not taken as a loan or pledged for credit.

Acceptable Proof of Funds Documents
Proof can be given through:
Official bank statements (6 months)
Fixed deposit certificates
Provident fund statements
Mutual funds or liquid investments
Valuation of real estate, credit cards, and loans are forms that can be rejected.

When Proof of Funds Is Not Required

Certain PR programs do not require this documentation. For example:

Applicants already residing in Australia or Canada may be exempt from this rule.
Those supported by employers or family members may not be obliged to present their personal funds.
It is advisable to check with your immigration consultant prior to the application being submitted.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Try to keep a stable bank account balance — never make sudden huge deposits.
Use the money that is in your name or your spouse’s name.
Make sure to have certified translations for all the foreign bank documents.

Following these practices will ensure that there are no delays in the processing of your PR Visa application.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Initially, proof of funds may appear as a formality, but it is one of the major signs that you are actually ready to move and live in a different country. Should you decide to seek an Australian PR Visa, get in touch with professionals who are well familiar with documentation, verification, and visa adherence.

At Abhinav Immigration Services, we will first help you calculate your minimum settlement funds for PR, next prepare proper financial documents, and lastly guarantee that your application is perfect. So, apply as early as possible. Keep things in order. And get closer to your dream relocation — together with the ones who will make the immigration processed without stress.