Can I submit my father's 6-month bank statement instead of mine to apply for study permit?

[MaxFederico]

Hi there,

I'm going to submit my application for getting a study permit to pursue my PhD. I have a funding package of $28,000 from the university admitted me.

My main problem is that I can't provide a 6-month bank statement, because my bank account has been nearly empty in the last 5 months. In fact, my father has been my sponsor since 5 months ago. Due to this problem, I'm going to mention my father as my sponsor in my application. He has a deposit of 60 k and two active bank accounts that meet the requirements. However, I have heard that even if the applicant has a sponsor, they still have to show their own 6-month bank statement as well as that of their sponsor; otherwise, they will be rejected.
Based on my descriptions above, do I still have to provide my bank statement, or even with my father's sponsorship I can get my study permit?

Thank you so much

 

[AstronomyNut]

First of all, congratulations on your funding package. Secondly, PhD applications are usually strong because of funding packages and because PhD is typically a natural progression of education.

The important question is:
Does the funding cover the entirety of your tuition fees and living expenses?

 

[MaxFederico]

First of all, congratulations on your funding package. Secondly, PhD applications are usually strong because of funding packages and because PhD is typically a natural progression of education.

The important question is:
Does the funding cover the entirety of your tuition fees and living expenses?

Thank you so much for your help.

The amount of the tuition is something around $15,000 and the cost of living is $10,000.

Thank you

 

[AstronomyNut]

Thank you so much for your help.

The amount of the tuition is something around $15,000 and the cost of living is $10,000.

Thank you

OK. So the total for a year is $25000 and you have a package of $28000 - an excess of $3000. Do you have the funding package for the entirety of your degree's duration?

Secondly, before your PhD were you working? If so, did you receive salary in your bank account?

Personally, I would declare your father as the sponsor and apply that way. Make sure you mention you are covered entirely - living and tuition but if any unexpected expenses crop up, your father will support you.

 

[MaxFederico]

OK. So the total for a year is $25000 and you have a package of $28000 - an excess of $3000. Do you have the funding package for the entirety of your degree's duration?

Secondly, before your PhD were you working? If so, did you receive salary in your bank account?

Personally, I would declare your father as the sponsor and apply that way. Make sure you mention you are covered entirely - living and tuition but if any unexpected expenses crop up, your father will support you.

Thank you.

Yes, the funding will be for the entire duration of my PhD with a minimum of $25,000 for the next 3 years that may increase, as was stated in the funding letter.

I have been working in a company (for about 5 months), but I haven't gotten paid yet, because of the company's financial crisis.

I have an official declaration (signed by my dad) in which it's said that my father will sponsor all my expenses (e.g. my education, health insurance, etc.) during my living in Canada.

Thank you so much.

 

[AstronomyNut]

You're all set.

 

[MaxFederico]

You're all set.

I really appreciate your helps.

So, instead of mentioning anything about my bank statements, I need to only include my father's 6-month bank statements and his deposit?

I was so worried about this problem because I thought all my endeavors would be gone by not having an acceptable bank account.

 

[AstronomyNut]

I really appreciate your helps.

So, instead of mentioning anything about my bank statements, I need to only include my father's 6-month bank statements and his deposit?

I was so worried about this problem because I thought all my endeavors would be gone by not having an acceptable bank account.

Look, I won't lie to you. If you submitted your bank statement with regular payment from your employer it would be better but not because you need to show funding but it would have showed some ties to home country. But you're biggest ace in the hole is your funding. Not many applicants will have this.

The Proof of Funds is your Funding Letter. Here is the official list from CIC:

• proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you have transferred money to Canada
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
• proof of a student/education loan from a bank
• your bank statements for the past four months
• a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
• proof you paid tuition and housing fees
• a letter from the person or school giving you money or
• proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program.

Your funding letter is the bold item from above list. This is honestly the single best Proof of Funds you can submit. It not only shows you have the complete funding required but also that you are a good enough student to receive $28000 funding. Play this fact to your advantage in your SOP. In theory, you don't even need to declare your father as sponsor because your university is paying for everything except your travel ticket!

But please don't trust a random stranger on the internet. Do your research and come to your conclusions and make a decision. Your case is very straightforward. You just have to show strong economic and family ties to your home country and you're good, in my opinion.

You will note a distinct lack of PhD applicants in this forum. Why? They generally have funding and cases are straightforward (nobody does is a second PhD, there is no point to a self funded PhD etc.)