Starting from the generic guidelines here which I put in annotations: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp
To visit Canada, you must:
- have a valid travel document, such as a passport,
- be in good health, - This means the traveller must not have any health issues that can:
endanger public health or public safety, or
cause excessive demands on health or social services
- convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country,
- convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and
This is an application for a temporary visit, which means at the end the visitor needs to leave. The ties to the home country must be strong enough and compelling reasons (i.e. more to lose/risk with staying than going back) for the visitor to leave.
- have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. it depends on things like how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives.)
Your friend will be applying and will be inspected on his/her own - so he/she should be able to show conclusively he/she is able to support himself, show he/she has adequate funds for the trip. The amount of funds he needs will depend on the travel plans (hotel or stay with friends, travel expenses etc.) and duration of the trip.
You may also need a:
.....letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
This is the only thing you can provide that supports the reason for the visit.
Others: See here for the country-specific requirements for applicants from Manila:
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/philippines/visas/52_1.aspx?lang=eng
See the "Proof of Sufficient Funds" requirement:
- A bank statement covering the last six months and showing the balance of the account.
This is relevant as regular sources of income are examined to see (IMHO) financial capability of the applicant on his own. Any sudden increase/deposits within the last six months (i.e. for "show money") is a red flag and leads to doubt on sources of the sudden income/deposit and more scrutiny on financial capability to fund the trip on his own
- Any additional relevant documentation (last 2 pay slips, property titles, proof of pension, investments, etc.) This links to financial capability as well as ties-to-home country.
- If you are not paying for your own trip, indicate how your trip will be funded. Submit supporting documentation, for example: parents' bank statements; letter from employer covering costs; spouse's employment, proof of employment and financial documents for host in Canada* (employment letter, pay slips, T4/Notice of Assessment, bank statements), etc. This is relevant to you - if you will support your friend by sponsoring some of the costs of the trip
Answering your questions:
Whats a ballpark idea of how much I need to have and how much does he need to have.
This is dependent on the travel plans as I mentioned - Does he stay in a hotel (add expenses to day allowance) or live with you (less daily expenses). What are the plans during the visit - travel around? Factor in expenses for gas/car, food - you get the drill. It has to be reasonable for the duration of the trip. Start by determining how long the visit is...the duration should also be reasonable. As for you - you may need to show that you are also capable to finance the trip, have stability (financially) - see the last bullet on the "Proof of Funds" section.
I also heard that it needs to be sitting in your account....does it matter what type of account?? (IE Chequing or savings account)??
Does not matter as long as it is in his/her account (applicants account). See the earlier explanations on "Proof of Sufficient Funds"
And how long does it have to be in there before we start the immigration process, like 3 months prior or??
What immigration process? Is he not in the PH to begin with to apply for the temporary visa to visit Canada? Are there other plans to immigrate aside from just visiting?
Note it your friend who is applying and will be inspected for admissibility as a visitor to Canada, so most of the burden of proof is on him, even if you are supporting/sponsoring your friend.
...Good luck and all the best on the application
