proof of sufficient funds

[michaelab]

If I were to prove that I have sufficient funds when I cross the border, how much is enough? and how much is too little? I am trying to get a visitor record (US to Canada) while my PR is in process. I am married and my husband won't be accompanying with me and our daughter (she's waiting for her citizenship cert. from Canada right now).

Thanks!!

 

[AllisonVSC]

I had several thousand banked. I figured I would need about $1000 per month. It was a total guess though.

 

[BeShoo]

If you're visiting Canada (I assume this is the case), you need enough to do whatever you will do during your visit. Are you staying in hotels or with friends/relatives, will you be eating meals at retaurants all the time, are you going to an expensive part of the country, will you be travelling about around the country, visiting tourist sites that charge admission ...? If your husband lives in Canada and pledges to support you, you might not really need any money of your own, etc.

 

[gillespiedc]

I was asking myself the very same question as we were applying for my wife and step daughter. Never did find out but I figured since we will stay with family most of the time, I budgeted CDN1500 per month for the 3 of us to live and do stuff. There will likely be a little left over to take family out for dinner now and again as well.

One thing I was concerned about was if there was a restriction as to how much cash I would be allowed to carry. I am in China so I can't really draw from my account here while I am in Canada (I don't think). The last time we took cash, so we will do the same this time.

Bottom line, I think if you reason out a realistic budget there shouldn't be an issue... we hope

Have a good trip!

 

[steaky]

I was asking myself the very same question as we were applying for my wife and step daughter. Never did find out but I figured since we will stay with family most of the time, I budgeted CDN1500 per month for the 3 of us to live and do stuff. There will likely be a little left over to take family out for dinner now and again as well.

One thing I was concerned about was if there was a restriction as to how much cash I would be allowed to carry. I am in China so I can't really draw from my account here while I am in Canada (I don't think). The last time we took cash, so we will do the same this time.

Bottom line, I think if you reason out a realistic budget there shouldn't be an issue... we hope

Have a good trip!

Yes there is a restriction as to how much cash one would be allowed to carry in China. I forgot the amount. You can check with Bank of China for the exact amount. For withdrawal / accessing your Chinese account while in Canada, I think you can still use your Chinese ATM Card or Credit Card with the Unionpay logo for withdrawal cash in CAN$ at CIBC ATMs in Canada and good purchases at some retailers. For more information, check out this link (I don't know if you can open this in mainland China, though): http://en.chinaunionpay.com/englobalization/all_globzlization/enus/Canada/index.html

 

[canadianwoman]

If you are bringing more than $10,000 Canadian to Canada (or taking out more than this) you have to declare it. This is cash and/or travellers cheques. They don't confiscate it, but you have to fill out a form and answer some questions.

 

[gillespiedc]

Thanks for the feedback all. I've been off for a little while as we are dealing with wrapping up stuff at work and getting our apartment cleared out. Whew! But it's all going to be worth it once we set our feet on Canadian soil again...

I read the $10,000 limit, and I don't mind filling out paperwork but if there are 2 adults (traveling together) and say each has $8000 on them, do we need to declare it as $16,000 altogether?

Doug

 

[canadianwoman]

I don't think so. The sign at the security gate seemed to mean 'per person.' The form was per person. I'm guessing you couldn't have your child carrying some of it, though.
They seemed pretty surprised when I showed up in the office to declare it. I'm guessing not many people do. No one has ever asked me how much money I had any time I have entered or left Canada - and I travel a lot - but still, you don't want to get caught.

 

[BeShoo]

I've been asked a few times how much money I had. I'm not sure if it was going out or coming back. Definitely, it is per person, not per family or group.

 

[AllisonVSC]

I haven't ever been asked how much cash I'm carrying, but I am often asked if I have over $10,000?