Hi my husband is going to be the secondary applicant and I will be the primary applicant. For POF, do we:
First, do you anticipate an invitation to apply under the FSW, FST, or CEC program? (No proof of funds requirement under CEC).
1) Need to show a joint account for proof of funds?
Accounts can be joint or individual for both spouses.
2) Show funds for a family of 2?
Unless you have more family members...? If you don't have any kids, 2 is the correct number.
3) As a secondary applicant, does my husband need to show any POF i.e. paystubs or bank statements?
No need for proof of income. Funds of spouses are combined.
4) POF is required when the invitation is received? At the time of making a joint profile, what funds related information is required?
You have to have sufficient funds to submit the profile in order to be deemed eligible under the FSW/FST programs. If you receive an ITA and submit an application, you have to submit a letter describing your balance over the past months; you also have to have sufficient funds when you land.
5) We both will have to borrow money from our parents for the purpose of showing funds. If the account is in our joint name, what documents do we need to justify a trail of funds? Please explain how a gift deed works?
Well now, if it is "borrowing" it is not a gift. You are not allowed to "borrow" funds (borrowing implies you have to pay it back; gift does not). A "gift deed" or letter (or sworn affidavit) is a document from your parents stating that they are giving you the money as a gift, and that no repayment is expected. IRCC sometimes expects to see documentation of the transfer of funds, including a the statement from your parent's account when it was withdrawn/transferred, and the corresponding deposit in to your account.
Note that if you are from the USA, there could be tax consequences...
https://www.irs.com/articles/7-things-you-should-know-about-gift-tax