study permit: financial support with minor child who is Canadian

[squarian]

Background: I'm considering a graduate program at an Ontario university. I am an American citizen, a single parent (widowed) formerly married to a Canadian citizen. Our daughter is a minor; she holds both American and Canadian current passports and other relevant documents (e.g. Canadian citizenship ID card). Because my spouse lived and worked for a long period in the U.S., my spouse was eligible for US Social Security, and in consequence both my daughter and I receive US SSA survivor's benefits in amounts greater than those given at the CIC website as required for support under a study permit (CDN$833+$333=$1166/mo).

My question relates to the "proof of financial support" required for a study permit: Though the CIC website does not make it explicitly clear, it implies that it is possible to satisfy the support requirement by demonstrating a regular monthly income (i.e. the SSA monthly survivor benefit payment), either by providing copies of the SSA award letters or bank statements. Is this correct?

TIA!

 

[Vipul.Varinder]

Hello,
as i really do not have enough knowledge about american and canadian ties.
But as per my knowledge from my american friends, you actually need to show enough funds around 8000$-12000$ minimum in your bank, or generally my friends come here till border and then they just show their FAFSA or federal loan loan letter, which is easy to get and got their study permit on border.
And last thing, You have enough financial support for your daughter. So do not worry. Just be ready to enjoy Maple Syrup!!! lol

for your information http://www.usstudentstocanada.com/

 

[squarian]

Thank you, Vipul. This is what concerns me, in fact - while I can probably prove I have the required $10,000 in a single lump sum available for my own support, I'm not sure I'll be able to raise the additional $4,000 for my daughter's support all at once, without first selling our house in the States.

I'm fortunate to live in a city which has largely escaped the housing collapse here, so the house will likely sell, but I was hoping to be able to apply and begin the grad program without having to worry about how quickly I can liquidate the house.

From what you've told me, however, I'll have to plan for the extra time to sell the house and then store my effects first, so that I can have the cash in hand "up front" at the border?

 

[Vipul.Varinder]

Good, even i hardly have knowledge about real estate in USA, but it is picking up again. except deep Florida.
Anywayz, its your decision to sell or buy, but try to get a federal loan, easy for you!
More over, as your child is Canadian, he might be eligible for Canadian govt support,ask any lawyer!
And most of all, every house has some bondings, so preserve your memories than selling those.
And good luck!!

 

[NeedleArtist]

Hello,
as i really do not have enough knowledge about american and canadian ties.
But as per my knowledge from my american friends, you actually need to show enough funds around 8000$-12000$ minimum in your bank, or generally my friends come here till border and then they just show their FAFSA or federal loan loan letter, which is easy to get and got their study permit on border.
And last thing, You have enough financial support for your daughter. So do not worry. Just be ready to enjoy Maple Syrup!!! lol

for your information http://www.usstudentstocanada.com/

You do NOT necessarily need to show large balance if you have a steady guaranteed income. I was/am in the same boat as you...no big bank balance but steady income. I'm retired from the U.S. Army and in addition to my monthly Army Retirement Pay check also receive monthly checks for Social Security Disability and VA Disability. I spoke with CIC and they said no problem. They told me to write cover letter explaining and include copies of evidence (earnings statements and/or monthly deposit slips). My actual bank balance at the time was only $5,500 or so. I did as they said and had no trouble at all getting the study permit for me as well as visitors record for my accompanying wife.

Three months ago I needed to extend my Study Permit and followed the same procedure (less than $8,000 bank account balance) and again had no trouble getting the extensions. Only difference is that the initial Study Permit was issued at the port of entry (Peace Arch, Surrey BC) whereas the extension request was all done online.

Best of luck to you!

 

[squarian]

You do NOT necessarily need to show large balance if you have a steady guaranteed income.

Thanks very much, Needle! It seems to make sense: everything I read on the CIC website, other Canadian gov't websites, and elsewhere suggests that the main concern (logically enough) is that they don't want to admit someone to the country who will be destitute, so the point of the regulation is to ensure the person has resources. Whether those resources are present and available in an account or due later but guaranteed by the "full faith and credit" of a neighboring nation, one would think that if the source is reliable and proven, it fulfills the main objective of the policy. But since major financial decision on my part depend on the answer, I'd like to be as sure of it as possible.

I see you had success simply calling and asking questions of CIC HQ. That's good to know - in the process of securing my daughter's Can passport, I found placed a call once or twice and found the people at the other end very helpful also. So doubtless I should just give them a call and check.

p.s. Did you include your SSDI award letter among the "evidence" you provided? My first thought is that our SSA Survivor's award letters ought to be at the front of the bundle, since they seem to be the most official proof the SSA has to offer.

 

[NeedleArtist]

Thanks very much, Needle! It seems to make sense: everything I read on the CIC website, other Canadian gov't websites, and elsewhere suggests that the main concern (logically enough) is that they don't want to admit someone to the country who will be destitute, so the point of the regulation is to ensure the person has resources. Whether those resources are present and available in an account or due later but guaranteed by the "full faith and credit" of a neighboring nation, one would think that if the source is reliable and proven, it fulfills the main objective of the policy. But since major financial decision on my part depend on the answer, I'd like to be as sure of it as possible.

I see you had success simply calling and asking questions of CIC HQ. That's good to know - in the process of securing my daughter's Can passport, I found placed a call once or twice and found the people at the other end very helpful also. So doubtless I should just give them a call and check.

p.s. Did you include your SSDI award letter among the "evidence" you provided? My first thought is that our SSA Survivor's award letters ought to be at the front of the bundle, since they seem to be the most official proof the SSA has to offer.

Yes, my SSA Disability award letter (and a few recent monthly bank statements showing that a matching amount was being reularly deposited) were part of my submission. I provided the same evidence for my U.S. Army Retirement Pay and VA Disability Payments.
Incidentally, I also did not have to show funds for the cost of tuition and fees either. One benefit of my 27+ years of military service was four fully-paid years of education, coutesy of Uncle Sam. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the Post-9/11 GI Bill could be used not only in U.S. schools but in foreign schools as well. Under this program, the VA pays the educational institution directly for the cost of tuition and fees. The VA also pays $1000 per year for books as well as a monthly living stipend of about $1400 directly to the student. Once the VA approved Langara College as an acceptable school and approved my application to begin using my benefits, I also included a copy of that approval letter as proof of funds for the cost of my schooling.