How can I improve ties when applying for study permit?

Dear Miss Powell, I am a single woman looking to apply for a visa to study in Canada. Since I’m single, what information can I present about ‘family ties’ to the officer? O.P.

Dear O.P.,

Many individuals are faced with this issue when they apply for a temporary resident visa such as a student, work, or visitor’s visa. The standard question that is asked of an applicant is: ‘Why would you return home after your trip?’ Many individuals are offended by the question, but it is a legitimate one as the visa officer needs proof that you will not be a flight risk, will not break the immigration laws of Canada, and that you honour the terms of your temporary resident visa.

That means that you will need to present substantiated facts that at the end of your studies, you will not remain in Canada illegally but that you will return to your home country when required to do so.

The visa officer is looking for proof that you have established social and economic ties, connections, or bonds to your home country that will motivate you to return at the end of the time granted. So they will need details concerning your home, family, employment, assets, and financial situation. You could consider including a sworn statement of why you are likely to return that details your obligations to your family or business.

There are several ways to establish economic ties to your home country. You should consider presenting evidence of a scholarship from an organisation or your existing employer that demonstrates that you are under a bond to return to your home country to serve at the end of your studies. Other proof could be a copy of any monetary bonds that you may have to the government, scholarship funders, a signed contract or letter stating your obligation to return and the penalties if you did not.

You should include documents that show that you have had a stable, permanent job, preferably with the same employer for a minimum of one year; pay stubs and/or a letter from your employer that contains information about the period of time that you have been employed and the vacation time that you are entitled to or that they are granting you a leave of absence. If you are self-employed, you should show copies of your business registration or incorporation, proof of contracts or projects, tax returns, details of your business structure, and a clear indication of who will be responsible for your business in your absence.

You should present the latest original bank statement or letter from bankers on their letterhead that shows that you have sufficient funds to pay for your tuition fee, living expenses, and return ticket if it is a one-year programmes. You should present copies of bank statements showing that you maintain accounts in your home country.