International student Application support by my uncle

[hafizmuhammadatif]

Hi everyone ,
one of my nephew because of certain family situations have been raised by me not by his father . All his schooling and university degree was supported by me .
Now he is graduated and want to apply for Master degree in Pharmacy .
Can I support his funding letter ?
I am Canadian citizen
Any threat for master programs?
If this thread has been discussed any please let me guide there .
Thanks in advance .

 

[Naturgrl]

1. You can provide support funding letter but IRCC doesn't have to consider it because he is not considered an immediate nor extended family member. Also if he is over 22, then not a dependant so should be showing his own money. Make sure you show that you have well over $21k cash plus tuition to support himself and all your family members.
2. Don't know what threat there would be.
3. He has to show ties to return to home country, justify costs with higher pay when he returns home. If he has a pharmacy degree then why is he not a pharmacist and why need a masters. Why does he need to study in Canada if he didn't do pharmacy degree in Canada in the first place.

 

[maplelife]

Just sharing some official info and practical tips for your study permit application.

Official reference
For 2026, IRCC's minimum fund requirement for a study permit (excluding tuition) is $22,895 CAD per year for a single person. A sponsor can be anyone. Non-immediate family sponsorship is fully acceptable, as long as the relationship is real and funds are legal. Under IRPR 179(b), officers will look at your ties to your home country — family, career, assets — to make sure you will leave Canada when your status expires.

What works for you
Having a Canadian citizen uncle sponsor you is a big plus. Your pharmacy bachelor's and applying for a master's in pharmacy is a logical study path.

Potential risk to address
Since you've already graduated and are over 22, officers will pay extra attention to why you choose to study in Canada rather than your home country, and whether you will return home after graduation.

Practical advice

1. Prepare a strong explanation letter that answers three key points: why not pursue a master's at home, why Canada, and what career improvements you will get after returning.

You can use this template as a reference:
https://www.canadavisa.com/forum/threads/study-permit-explanation-letter-sop-template.123456/

1. For funds: combine your own savings + uncle's sponsorship letter + uncle's income proof. Aim for tuition + $25k–30k CAD to stay safely above the minimum.
2. If possible, provide proof that you were raised by his father and past financial support records to strengthen the sponsorship.

Disclaimer
I am not a licensed immigration consultant and do not offer representation. This is just IRCC info + what I've seen work. Final decisions are at the officer's discretion.