Immigration Blog

Does a Canadian Host's Financial Background Matter for a TRV?

When applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), a common question is whether the host in Canada needs to provide their financial background. While the applicant bears the primary burden of proof, IRCC policies and Federal Court decisions confirm that a host's financial support can be a critical, and often decisive, factor.

According to IRCC's guidance on Proof of Funds / Financial Support, officers can and should consider the host’s financial situation, but a simple letter of invitation is insufficient. This offer of support must be backed by concrete evidence like bank statements, employment letters, and pay stubs.

The importance of this evidence is highlighted in judicial review cases at the Federal Court.

• In Jafari v. Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration), 2025 FC 296, a refusal was overturned because the officer completely ignored the host's affidavit of full financial support.
• Similarly, in Okhravi v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2025 FC 513, the Court found it unreasonable for an officer to refuse an application based on the applicant's funds while disregarding the sponsor's documented ability and willingness to cover all costs.

These cases demonstrate that a decision can be deemed unreasonable if an officer fails to engage with material evidence. A well-documented offer of support from a host is not just supplementary information; it is a key element of the financial assessment. Therefore, if a host's financial backing is part of the application, providing their detailed financial background is not just helpful—it is essential for a strong and successful TRV application.