I am applying under the PhD stream category. On the checklist, there is the Settlement Fund proof (if applicable). My understanding is that this kind of fund is for newcomers to Canada to help them settle here. To whom does this not apply to?
I've been living here for over two years already. Does this still apply for my case?
It would be great if someone did not provide that in his application and got the PR. Also, any tip from you guys would be very much appreciated.
It doesn't matter whether you have been living in Canada before applying or not. The regulations and rules are that you must provide proof that you can support yourself (and any dependants in your application) when you land. Even after you get your PR visa and you go to a port of entry or a CIC office to complete the landing process, you may still be asked by the officer to provide this proof. If you don't provide this proof with you application, at least a bank statement with a sufficient balance, Sydney will return your application to you because it is incomplete.
Does this proof need to be a bank statement?
My letter of acceptance at the university states I get 32,000 CAD$ a year.
Can this be a good proof of fund, or does it need to be a bank statement with balance covering the exact amount given at the settlement fund page (around 12,000 for one person)?
I believe you should prove that you already have the money. So, even though a letter from your school/university with the financial support you are getting may support your application, a bank certificate (with just the balance) or a 6 month bank statement with your current balance at the time of your application is stronger evidence. You may even get a request for another 6 month bank statement later on from CPP-O after you submit your application. They sometimes want to make sure that you still have that amount of money. I would say just give them a 6 month bank statement and maintain a good balance throughout the processing time of the application. And you can have that university letter as a supporting document that you send along with the application.
