New PR landers often ask how much cash to bring on top of the Proof of Funds (POF) amount (roughly 9 lakh INR / equivalent, per current IRCC settlement fund tables) shown at the time of application.
- There is no upper limit on how much money you carry into Canada — POF is a minimum threshold, not a ceiling.
- Treat POF as your real survival money, not just a number to satisfy immigration officers. It needs to cover rent, groceries, phone, transit, and other costs until you land a job.
- Budget beyond minimum wage. A single basic/minimum-wage job is unlikely to comfortably cover living costs in most Canadian cities — plan for roughly $1,000+ CAD per month in addition to income from your first job, especially in the first few months while you're still job-hunting.
- Build in a buffer for the job search itself, which can take weeks to months depending on your field, city, and how quickly your credentials/licensing are recognized.
Bottom line: bring more than the minimum POF if you can, and budget assuming you won't have full-time income right away.