I don't think there would be a standard amount that they would want to see. I would suspect that it has also to do with what trade or vocation you are in and whether they believe you can find permant and profitable work. In the short time that the sir visa been around DIMIA has found that sir holders are having a tough go at getting by. I happen to be one of those who is finding it a tough go. The best I can expect as a cabinet maker in this country is $18-hour and for the average person in this country thats impossible to live off of unless you live with your parents which in the case of sir visa holders is impossible. The only reason I haven't complete abandoned my trade is cause there is a possibility that I could be kicked out if I don't stick with the trade I applied under. But if you're a sparky or plumber you can expect a substantially high wage (mid twenties) and more job prospects. So DIMIA would look at me and say I need more to get by on than a sparky so they want me to bring more with me than the sparky.
One thing I can't stress enough to prospective sir visa applicants is do a lot of research on your trade of vocation - THE PAY HERE IS THE ABSOLUTE pooS in a lot of jobs while the cost of living is high (relative to where I lived - West Coast Canada).
