Visitor visa to Canada: There are many components required to prepare a successful application for a visitor visa to Canada. Still, one aspect that we are asked about most frequently is “How much money do I need to have for my visitor visa application to Canada?”
The correct answer to that question depends on many factors, including your purpose in visiting Canada, the number of people accompanying you, and how long you plan to stay. These factors will be different for every applicant.
Applying for a visitor visa to Canada requires that the applicant demonstrate to Canadian immigration that they have sufficient funds to accomplish their stated purpose in visiting Canada, plus sufficient means to take care of themselves when they return to their home country after the visit.
How much money is needed for tourist visa Canada?
To start to answer this question, the applicant needs to consider the following factors:
- Cost of travel to and from Canada
- Cost of travel within Canada (car rental, bus or train tickets, etc)
- Cost of accommodation in Canada
- Cost of planned activities in Canada
- Cost of travel / health insurance (if applicable)
- Cost to maintain myself in Canada – food, cell phone, internet, etc.
When the costs of each of these factors is known, it then becomes possible to multiply the costs by however many family members that you intend to accompany you on your trip, and a realistic estimate of the cost of your trip to Canada will become apparent. This is the minimum amount of available cash that you should plan to prove as part of your TRV application for Canada.
How to prove my funds for a visit to Canada?
Once the approximate costs of your trip to Canada are identified, the next question to ask is “Who is paying for my trip to Canada?” In many cases, relatives or friends in Canada have extended an invitation and you may be staying with them during your visit – which usually means that you won’t be paying for accommodation while on your trip. Internal transportation and food costs may also be minimal with this type of scenario. If this is the case, ensure that you identify within your application who is going to be responsible for which portion of your travel expenses, and also prove that whoever is responsible has the necessary means available to carry out the plan.
On your part, you need to provide a recent bank statement that lists your name, the bank details, the date and the funds that are available for your trip. One of the things that you absolutely should not do is borrow money from friends and family to stuff your bank account to show a higher balance than you have. The Canadian immigration officers who will be deciding on your application are aware of local wage rates and the cost of living where you reside. If you present a bank statement with a large balance that does not reflect your actual ability to earn and save, considering your occupation and the local cost of living – you should expect to receive a request to submit your past 6 months of bank statements. If there are large recent deposits showing in your account that are unusual considering your history of savings, you can expect a refusal of your application because the source of your funds is not clear.
Do I need proof of funds for visitor visa Canada?
Not every applicant will need proof of funds to successfully obtain a visitor visa to Canada. The important thing is to show that funds are available, even if they are not your own. If someone else has committed to paying for your trip, ensure that fact is clearly outlined in the visitor visa application. You will need to prove the identity of the person paying, how they are related to you, and then prove their own funds by means of their bank statement, employment details and proof of assets in Canada, such as house, vehicle, etc.
What else is important when applying for a visitor visa to Canada?
Proof of funds is an important aspect when applying for a visitor visa to Canada, but it’s not the only factor that is considered. The reason for your trip to Canada as well as your situation in your home country are equally important. Canadian officials are going to carefully consider your standard of living in your home country as well as your history of employment. It needs to be abundantly clear that you have a comfortable life in your current country of residence and that you will leave Canada to resume your normal life once your visit to Canada is finished. It’s up to you as the applicant to provide evidence within your application package that demonstrates your current lifestyle is comfortable.
