Financial Inadmissibility Lawyers
Canada’s immigration system always ensures newcomers can support themselves when they come to Canada without relying too heavily on public resources. When an individual applying to immigrate to Canada (or their sponsor) cannot demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources, immigration authorities may determine that they are financially inadmissible.
At Border Solutions Law Group, our Vancouver immigration lawyers regularly advise individuals and families about the financial requirements for visa applications. If you have been found financially inadmissible or you’re worried about your application, you should speak with our immigration team. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
When Are You Financially Inadmissible?
When somebody is found financially inadmissible to Canada, it means that immigration authorities believe they do not have enough resources or money to support themself without relying heavily on social assistance programs. It may also apply if they believe an applicant is unable to support dependents.
A finding of financial inadmissibility may arise when:
- Settlement Funds are Insufficient: Certain economic immigration programs (like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, for example) require you to have a minimum amount of savings if you do not have a valid Canadian job offer at the time of your application. If you cannot demonstrate that you have sufficient funds, your application may be denied.
- Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship (PGP) or Super Visa: Sponsors of individuals immigrating to Canada must meet a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) threshold for the relevant number of tax years. Falling short of this amount can lead to refusal.
- Limited Proof of Self-Support: Temporary residents (like visitors or students) may be refused entry if Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers believe they lack the resources to cover their living costs while in Canada. This is especially true in cases where your visa does not allow you to work for the duration of your stay.
- And More
Some immigration streams, like spousal open work permits (SOWPs), do not impose a strict Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) figure on applicants. However, IRCC will often still verify that the sponsor has a credible plan to support the sponsored spouse. In cases that involve spousal sponsorship, the IRCC may:
- Examine inconsistencies between claimed finances and the actual proof of income you provide
- Issue procedural fairness letters if they suspect not enough support exists for a spouse
- And more
Whether or not the immigration stream that you’re interested in has a hard income requirement, IRCC can still request evidence of financial stability to ensure that there will be no excessive burden on Canada’s social systems.
Establishing Minimum Necessary Income (MNI)
For programs that do have income thresholds (such as Super Visas or certain Express Entry pathways), your Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) may be calculated based on:
- Household Size: Including all dependents, whether or not they live in Canada at the time you apply. Any individuals you are sponsoring will also count towards your ‘family unit’.
- Annual Income Documentation: Sponsors will typically need to provide Notices of Assessment (NOAs), T4 slips, or employment letters to prove that they earn enough money to support dependents.
- Duration Requirement: For parent or grandparent sponsorship, sponsors must meet MNI for up to three consecutive taxation years in some cases, although requirements can change slightly over time.
How Does IRCC Decide Financial Inadmissibility?
- Initial Application Review: IRCC will review all the financial documents you have submitted to check whether you have met minimum thresholds or self-support levels. Documents you submit for review might include:
- Bank statements
- NOAs
- Pay stubs
- And more
- Procedural Fairness Letter: If IRCC doubts the amount of funds you have, they may issue a letter giving you a chance to clarify or submit additional proof. This is usually called a procedural fairness letter, and may be sent to you at any point in the application process.
- Decision: If the officer is satisfied that you have met all financial requirements, you will not be declared financially inadmissible. If you are unable to provide sufficient evidence of your financial standing, you may be deemed financially inadmissible and your application will be refused. Both of these outcomes can occur whether or not you received a procedural fairness letter at any point in application the process.
Overcoming Financial Inadmissibility
If you have been deemed financially inadmissible to Canada, there are steps you can take to respond to or argue against the decision. In some cases, individuals are able to overcome financial inadmissibility. By working with an experienced immigration lawyer, you can identify your best next steps for addressing your inadmissibility with Canadian immigration authorities.
You may want to consider:
- Gathering Stronger Evidence: If you are able to, compile additional documentation with proof of your financial circumstances. This can help you respond to a negative decision. You may want to consider obtaining:
- More comprehensive bank statements
- Proof of ongoing employment
- An improved job offer
- And more
- Explain Special Circumstances: If your finances appear low due to recent changes you have experienced, such as a job transition or relocation, tell IRCC. A clear explanation can help you address any issues or concerns.
- Reapply or Respond to Your Procedural Fairness Letter: If your application has been refused on financial grounds, consider reapplying once you have a higher income or you can demonstrate your financial stability more clearly. If a procedural fairness letter is issued, ensure that you respond with comprehensive documentation that clarifies any issues they have pointed out in your application.
- Seek Legal Support: Canadian immigration lawyers will help you prepare compelling responses by pinpointing acceptable proof of funds and mitigating any concerns brought up by IRCC.
How Can Border Solutions Law Group Help if You’ve Been Found Financially Inadmissible?
With years of experience practicing Canadian immigration law, our team at Border Solutions Law Group understands the nuances of financial thresholds and requirements. Whether you’re applying to immigrate for the first time or you need help responding to your refusal, we can help.
When you work with our Vancouver immigration lawyers, we will:
- Evaluate Your Income Requirements: Whether you’re applying for PGP sponsorship, a Super Visa, or an express entry program, we can help you determine whether your finances or income will meet IRCC requirements.
- Compile and Present Financial Evidence: We can gather documentation for you that aligns with IRCC’s expectations, helping you clearly demonstrate your financial stability.
- Strategize Solutions: If you receive a procedural fairness letter or initial refusal on financial grounds, our team can help you identify your best legal path forward. Our lawyers have experience navigating reapplications, appeals, and judicial reviews in Federal Court, if necessary.
Contact Our Vancouver Immigration Lawyers To Talk About Financial Inadmissibility Today
Meeting Canada’s financial requirements can seem daunting, but understanding the process and knowing how to document your resources effectively is key to addressing financial inadmissibility. Whether you’re applying for a super visa as a sponsor or are concerned about settlement funds, having the right evidence in place can make all the difference.
At Border Solutions Law Group, our Vancouver immigration lawyers are ready to help you build a solid financial foundation for your application and address any challenges that arise. You can call our Vancouver office toll-free at 877-341-6761, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation today.