Why one bank balance feels so heavy
You have the skills. You passed the language test. Then one number blocks you: the money you must show. For many families it is more than a year of salary. Fair or not, the number is public, so you can plan for it.
It is a floor, not a budget. It covers rent, food and transport while you look for work or study, and nobody takes it from you. Your real costs after landing will be higher. Our guide on how much money you need to migrate shows the full budget.
How each country sets the amount
- Canada, Express Entry. Federal Skilled Worker and Trades applicants show funds by family size. The table from 7 July 2025: CA$15,263 for one, CA$19,001 for two, CA$28,362 for four, plus CA$4,112 per person above seven.
- UK, Skilled Worker. £1,270 for you, £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each other child, held for 28 days in a row.
- Germany, Opportunity Card. €1,091 per month per applicant in 2026, for your whole stay: €3,309 for the 91-day minimum, €13,092 for 12 months.
- Australia, Student visa. A$29,710 for 12 months of living costs, A$10,394 for a partner, A$4,449 per child, at least A$13,502 a year of school costs per school-age child, plus course fees and travel.
- New Zealand, Fee Paying Student visa. NZ$20,000 per year if you study for a year or more, or NZ$1,667 per month for shorter study.
What your result means
Your result is the official minimum for your situation. Add your savings and the bar shows how close you are. We only call it strong when you hold at least 10% more than the minimum. Far off? Ask if a route where an employer covers this fits you better.
The US dollar figure is a rough guide, using ECB rates from 9 October 2026. Your bank uses its own rate on the day. Holding money in a falling currency? Read proof of funds in a weak currency.
Mistakes to avoid
- One big deposit at the last minute. Canada looks at your 6-month average balance. Australia says a one-day balance certificate does not show how you built the money. See how long money must sit.
- Letting the balance drop for one day. In the UK, the money must stay above the line for 28 days in a row.
- Leaving family out of the count. Canada counts your partner and dependent children even if they stay at home.
- Borrowed money where it is not allowed. Check what counts in our guide to gifts, loans and crypto.
- Saving to the exact minimum. Tables change and rates move. Keep a margin.
How many months to close the gap? Would an employer who certifies maintenance be faster?
Frequently asked questions
Do I lose the money I show as proof of funds?
No. It stays your money. Canada and the UK only ask you to show it. For the German Opportunity Card, a blocked account releases a fixed amount each month, up to the €1,091 monthly figure.
How long must the money be in my account?
It depends on the country. The UK asks for 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of your application. Canada asks for bank letters that show your average balance over the past 6 months. Australia wants to see how you built the money, not a one-day balance.
Can I use a loan or a gift?
Canada says you cannot borrow the money from another person. Australia accepts loans from a bank or government if you show the terms. In New Zealand, a guarantor's money must be their own and not loaned.
Does my family size change the amount?
Yes for Canada, the UK and the Australian student visa, where each partner and child adds to the total. The German Opportunity Card figure is per person applying. The New Zealand student figure covers only the student.
Do I need proof of funds if I have a job offer?
Often not. In Canada you are exempt if you have a valid job offer and are allowed to work in Canada, or if you are invited under the Canadian Experience Class. In the UK you usually do not need it if your sponsor certifies maintenance on your certificate of sponsorship.
Estimate only, based on official pages checked in October 2026. The visa office decides. Check the current figure on the government page before you move money.
