It takes an average of 3 months (upto 4 in some cases) before your file is reviewed by an I. officer. If you qualify based on the point grade system established, then you get an email aknowledging the same (PER) pending further review when it arrives at your visa office.
You will receive a notification soon, probably is less than two weeks time. Mine took 108 days before I received a PER. The good news is that your application reached there before the cap for your NOC was reached. Good Luck!
I have two houses in the US but was told that they do not count and I should NOT sell them till a final decision is made. So to answer your question, Cash in the bank is preferable. Bonds as well as stock funds are ok. Property like houses do not count.
1. The letter you received should have the address of origin (Buffalo office) where you should mail the documents to.
2. The $490.00 is for adults (applicant and spouse) and $150.00 for family members less than 22 years of age. See the link for further details...
Mail in your completed application to CIC-NS, Canada with the appropriate fee, unless you are using an agent/attorney/lawyer who, in that case should handle the communication on your behalf!
You should have something else as a proof-for example a copy of the pay stub which should bear the name of the payer (company you worked for). Even with direct deposit, the bank statement shoud show the origin of the funds. Good luck.
A birth certificate is the only document that can link you with your brother because you have the same parents. Without it, you will not qualify for points on "blood relationship".
A fixed asset is not a POF. In short, POF is MONEY that MUST immediately available for use for about 6months before you can get a job (other factors constant). I live in the USA and have two houses and when I told my rep that those assets should be enough to show my fainancial ability, he said...
I once planned to study in Canada after my undergraduate but later cancelled the plans. However, I managed to secure admission letters from two schools. After completing my MSc I once again secured student admission from Ontario Western University (OWU) which I deffered till later date because...