How Much Bank Balance Do You Need for a Canada Tourist Visa?

Planning a trip to Canada is exciting — from exploring the breathtaking Rockies to visiting vibrant cities like Toronto and Vancouver. But before you pack your bags, one important step is securing your Canada Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV).

One of the most common questions applicants have is: “How much bank balance do I need to show for a Canada tourist visa?”
Let’s break this down in detail so you can prepare your finances properly and avoid visa refusal.

1. Why Bank Balance Matters for a Canada Tourist Visa

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) wants to ensure that visitors can support themselves during their stay without working illegally or depending on public funds.

Your bank balance and financial documents prove that:

• You can pay for your flights, accommodation, food, and transportation.

• You have funds for any emergencies during your trip.

• You will return to your home country after your visit (ties to home country are also considered).

2. Recommended Bank Balance for a Canada Tourist Visa

There is no fixed minimum bank balance officially published by IRCC for a tourist visa. However, as a general rule of thumb:

• For a single traveler:
  CAD $2,500 – CAD $3,500 is considered a safe amount for a 15-day trip.

• For a couple:
  CAD $4,500 – CAD $6,000 is usually enough for two people.

• For a family of four:
  CAD $8,000 – CAD $10,000 is recommended to cover living expenses, tickets, and other costs.

Remember, these amounts may vary depending on:

• Duration of stay: Longer trips require higher proof of funds.

• Accommodation: If staying with family or friends (with an invitation letter), your required funds might be slightly lower.

• Planned itinerary: A cross-country trip with domestic flights will need more funds than a short city visit.

3. Acceptable Proof of Funds

When applying, you should submit recent financial documents to prove you have access to funds. Acceptable proof includes:

• Bank statements (last 6 months preferred)

• Fixed deposits

• Mutual funds or investment statements

• Pay slips (if employed)

• Income tax returns

💡 Tip: Ensure your funds are not borrowed temporarily just for the visa. Sudden large deposits may raise red flags unless you can explain them with proper documentation (e.g., property sale, bonus, etc.).

4. Additional Financial Factors Considered by IRCC

IRCC doesn’t just look at the balance amount. They also consider:

• Your regular income and employment stability

• Your ties to your home country (job, family, assets)

• Whether someone in Canada is sponsoring your visit (and their financial capacity)

5. Expert Advice for a Strong Visa Application

• Maintain a steady balance for at least 3–6 months before applying.

• Avoid last-minute big deposits unless properly documented.

• Include a cover letter explaining your trip purpose, duration, and financial situation.

• Attach a travel itinerary with cost breakdown (airfare, hotel bookings, daily expenses).

Final Thoughts

While there is no strict minimum bank balance required, a good benchmark is to show at least CAD $2,500 per person for a two-week stay in Canada. Strong financial proof increases your chances of visa approval and shows that you are a genuine visitor.

If you are unsure about your financial documentation, consulting an experienced immigration consultant or lawyer can save you from mistakes and improve your approval chances.Apply canada tourist visa