Thanks for commenting with your experience - that helps frame it somewhat, that a skilled worker may qualify their family. The proof of funds requirement seems like the term used, referred to here [1]. Still a lot of money but less than I was directly told recently, so it is possible word of mouth may have exaggerated this a tad.

If you don't my asking, was your wife's profession, rather than her income directly, taken into account significantly? Thanks again

[1] https://prepareforcanada.com/blog/managing-money/financial-f...