Why proof of funds matters so much
Immigration officers need confidence that you can cover your living costs from day one. A healthy, stable balance from a clear source is one of the simplest ways to strengthen an application, and slipping just below the threshold is an avoidable refusal that costs you the fee and weeks of waiting. Because the rules care about both the amount and how the money behaves over time, it pays to plan the balance months ahead rather than scrambling at the last minute.
It is about more than a single number
Two applicants with the same balance can get different outcomes. Officers look for funds that are genuinely yours, accessible, and consistently held rather than a sudden deposit that vanishes after the application. Keep the money in an account in your name, avoid large unexplained transfers, and be ready to document where it came from. If a relative is helping, a clear gift letter and a paper trail matter far more than the headline figure.
Holding periods and timing
The holding period is where many applications come unstuck. The UK wants the money in place for 28 consecutive days, with the closing balance dated close to your application, so a single dip below the line can reset the clock. Canada looks back across several months of statements. Plan your transfers so the required balance is sitting comfortably above the minimum for the entire window, not just on the day you press submit.
How to use this calculator
Choose your destination and the specific route, then set your family size or the number of months you need to evidence. The tool shows the official amount in the local currency along with the relevant holding rule. Enter your current savings and it tells you whether you are ready or exactly how much short you are, so you can set a clear savings target. Treat the result as a planning guide and always confirm the live figure on the linked government page before you apply.