PROOF OF ASSETS
PRESENT PROOF of assets such as registered land title, major equipment, and vehicles. If you have unregistered land, then you will need to show receipt for payment of property taxes in your name or a statutory declaration with a copy of the survey. You should also consider making an application to bring the land under the Registration of Title’s Act to make your life simple in the future.
If you are not financially responsible for your trip, then you will need to present a sworn affidavit from your parents or the person undertaking this responsibility. The affidavit should list the dependant family members, especially if they live in your home country. You parents will need to present evidence that they have a stable family life and job, and consider including financial details, as mentioned above, to show that they are all firmly settled there.
The key is to show that your studies will not be a burden on you or your family and that you or your family will not be economically burdened as a result of undertaking this study.
Most people emphasise the economic ties and ignore the social ties or emotional bond to their home country and people. While it is good to show that you have relatives in Canada who may be able to assist you with some living arrangements, it is more important to emphasise that you have a community of people to whom you are responsible and who rely on your return to Jamaica once your studies have been completed.
If you are married or in a common-law relationship, I would suggest that you present evidence that you would be
leaving a spouse and children behind. Documentation includes marriage and birth certificates or a statutory declaration of common-law union. A very strong family tie is proof of a minor child or children. You are not required to leave your family behind, but if you do plan to leave them, be sure to include evidence of this and provide an explanation of who will be responsible for their care and protection in your absence. You could include an affidavit from the person.
ECONOMICS PROSPECT
Another important factor is showing that you have done your research about economic prospects when you return to your home country. This question is usually asked, so you will need to do your research and even present documentation of your career potential in your home
country. Consider including statistics from a reputable source, such as your government, showing that people with your skills are in high demand. If you own your own business, show how your new skills would improve your organisation.
This list is not exhaustive as there may be other compelling reasons to support you return to your home country. The
key is to outline them and show that you have a stronger connection to your home country than to Canada. Do not simply complete the forms and provide proof that you can afford the studies. You will need to provide tangible evidence to convince the visa officer that you have intentions to return to your home country and outline the circumstances that would require you, or inspire you, to return at the end of your studies. Another important factor is striking a delicate balance between showing enough proof and not showing too much. If you have issues or concerns, I suggest that you consult with an authorised immigration lawyer.
Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada Law Society with office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in immigration, commercial, real estate, personal injury, family and administration of estates. Email: info@deidrepowell.com. Subject line: Immigration. Call 613-6958777 or follow her on facebook.com/jamaicanlawyer.