Proof of funds for spousal sponsorship?

[moonside]

Hi all!

American husband being sponsored out of country. Applied in March 2012, approved as a sponsor (even though I'm a poor student woo) in June, our file was sent to LA and was then sent to CPP-Ottawa. We received his passport request/request to pay the final funds, which we are extremely excited about!

However, they also requested that we provide proof of funds for myself and him. I am extremely confused by this, as I don't even think we had to provide that in the initial application, and I've never heard of that being required for a family sponsorship. I've contacted them asking WTF is up with this but haven't heard back yet. I know that there's like a $10,000 requirement for if you're immigrating as a skilled worker, but I was not aware of it being required for family class...

Is this something normal that for whatever reason I skipped over? This is pretty much the worst time for them to ask me for this- husband and I both just spent a good chunk of cash on Christmas gifts. Any input?

 

[muksi]

As far as i know proof of funds is not a requirement for spousal category. I am not sure why they have asked for it. If you are working , you can show that as a proof and also mention about what kind of work your husband will do once he reaches Canada. I guess it doesn't have to be currently available funds, you can show how you will support your husband once he arrives. But hope they respond to your query to clarify.

 

[scylla]

Sometimes they will ask for financial proof for spousal applications. While there is no specific income requirement per se, CIC will sometimes ask for additional evidence to ensure the sponsor will be able to support the applicant when they arrive. So while the request you've received is unusual - it's by no means unheard of (if that makes you feel any better).

As for what type of proof you should provide, supply information that answers the following questions.

How do you support yourself as a student now? Do you have a part time job? Do your parents provide financial support? Do you have a scholarship? Based on your financial situation now, what will adding another person to support do? Do you have enough financial wiggle room to support another person?

What does your husband do now? Assume he works or has a profession - what does he make or what could he potentially make when he reaches Canada?

Where will you be living and how will you pay for this? Will this be subsidized by anyone (e.g. your parents)?

I would include current bank statements for both of you as well.

 

[moonside]

Okay, thank you! That makes sense.

Husband and I have a decent...ish amount of savings for our position. I guess they have reason to be concerned- he makes like under 20k a year atm, and I'm a full time student with loans and grants. Despite this, we have about 8k in savings, and we both have parents who would be willing to help us out. I will wait for them to get back to me, and then send them all of that information + bank statements. Thank you for your input!

 

[scylla]

IMHO I wouldn't wait for them to get back to you. I would gather the evidence and submit it as soon as you have everything.

 

[moonside]

Probably a good idea! I will ask my family/in-laws about assisting us temporarily with some funds (I really want to provide them with 10k+ just in case!) and put something together. It's terrifying being asked about this so late in the process!

 

[moonside]

Hate to reply to my own thread but:

Got a response from CIC. They just gave me an awful copy/pasted spiel, which proves they didn't even read my question. Awesome feedback they provide there.

 

[Alex_29]

Sometimes they will ask for financial proof for spousal applications. While there is no specific income requirement per se, CIC will sometimes ask for additional evidence to ensure the sponsor will be able to support the applicant when they arrive. So while the request you've received is unusual - it's by no means unheard of (if that makes you feel any better).

As for what type of proof you should provide, supply information that answers the following questions.

How do you support yourself as a student now? Do you have a part time job? Do your parents provide financial support? Do you have a scholarship? Based on your financial situation now, what will adding another person to support do? Do you have enough financial wiggle room to support another person?

What does your husband do now? Assume he works or has a profession - what does he make or what could he potentially make when he reaches Canada?

Where will you be living and how will you pay for this? Will this be subsidized by anyone (e.g. your parents)?

I would include current bank statements for both of you as well.

Interesting stuff.

So, what happens if you are unable to provide such info.....let say you are a student who does not have a job, but will have one upon graduation in a year or so...and 20K in debt in student loans, and no savings....could this be a reasonable situation for rejection?? Or they assume....he/she will have a degree, therefore better chances to get a job, while the sponsored person should be able to find general labor work.

Also, when you ask for a bank statement from the bank, they give you the statement for a month with all the transactions...from what i understand.....so, if they see you over sudden deposited let say 3K....wouldn't that raise some questions?? Can you just provide the receipt from ATM machine with your balances??? or it is not acceptable by CIC??