Bank Account In Canada

Canada Immigration Forum (discussion group)


 
       
Subject: Bank Account In Canada
If you are an applicant from the US, can you open an account in Canada while you wait for your application to be finalized?


[20-09-2005,22:47]
[**.244.21.162]
starwars
(in reply to: Bank Account In Canada)
Sure you can, with all the proper identification.
[20-09-2005,22:59]
[**.193.72.81]
FWChelle
(in reply to: Bank Account In Canada)
Hi starwars.

No, but you can forward money vis-a-vis a bank transfer or teller´s certificate, so that it clears the system in anticipation of your arrival (Note: I´ve seen new immigrants wait over a month after their arrival to access their funds, while the banks process their overseas drafts, etc.). It´s a bit tricky to do, b/c you need a signature card and Canadian certified photo identification. You should also have a contact at the bank who can keep tabs on your incoming funds, keeping in mind that the bank doesn´t have a record of you in their system until after your arrival.

As part of Crarer Law Office´s immigration services, we provide clients with the exact information and resources to do this process, whenever needed. However, for US clients, there´s usually an easier way for them to bring their funds in to Canada, instead of pre-transferring.

Regards,
Dennis Caul
Crarer Law Office - An Online, Canadian Immigration Legal Service
www.e-ca.ca

[20-09-2005,23:10]
[**.72.206.7]
Dennis Caul
(in reply to: Bank Account In Canada)
Oh ok, I thought he meant if he was IN Canada. My husband and I opened a joint account while he was here visiting, but he actually went into the branch with his photo ID and signed the signature cards.
[21-09-2005,00:04]
[**.193.72.81]
FWChelle
(in reply to: Bank Account In Canada)
Dennis... I think we appreciate your input on our forum but not sure we want a sales pitch with every posting. don´t mean to insult... but I am sure you will get all the clients you want with fair and honest postings.

cheers

[21-09-2005,00:42]
[***.20.170.23]
sharon
(in reply to: Bank Account In Canada)
I´m still not clear - if I don´t have PR, nor do I know anyone in Canada - based on my US documents do Canadian banks allow me to open an account in Canada?

Thank you,

[21-09-2005,02:14]
[**.89.71.36]
starwars
(in reply to: Bank Account In Canada)
I can only speak from personal experience, but our bank wasn´t concerned about PR when my husband opened our account. Trying to do it remotely might be a different story, but when we went into the branch, they took his Social Security number, driver´s license and had him sign the signature card. It´s not unusual for people to have bank accounts in different countries, for different reasons.

Lending is another story. When we applied for our mortgage, they did tell us he ´technically´ had to be a permanent resident in order to qualify. In our case, they approved it anyway because they know me and our situation, and they know he´ll be here... eventually. So, they just let it go through.

[21-09-2005,02:24]
[**.193.72.81]
FWChelle
(in reply to: Bank Account In Canada)
Thanks for sharing FWChelle.
[21-09-2005,02:27]
[**.89.71.36]
starwars
(in reply to: Bank Account In Canada)
Dear All,

I had this exp personally as some of you know. I have openned a bank account at the RBC in Toronto while I was in Dubai, UAE and before landing. They sent me an application kit which I have filled. I then signed the signature card in front of their office here in Dubai who stamed all the documents (copy as original). They also aksed for three IDs.

In 5 days time, they sent me an account number on which I have made the wire transfer of the required funds. In another 5 days, I recieved an email from them confirming the receipt of the money and that they have sent a letter to the Consulate in Cairo (where I have applied) stating the money I have with them.

When the consulate sent me the COPR documents, I found that it was already stated on the document the amount I have in Canada and the bank name. So I did not have to show any proff of funds at landing port.

Upon arrival to Toronto, I visited the RBC at Bay st and in about 2 hours I got the account activated, got the ATM cards and also online access which I am using now from Dubai.


That is the real story.

You may contact RBC for the kit or email me on salehsaleh@link.net to send it to you.

Thanks

Saleh

[21-09-2005,02:35]
[***.229.168.132]
Saleh
(in reply to: Bank Account In Canada)
I know that with HSBC, you can open an account in Canada from certain countries. I know for sure that you can do this from France, UK and US but I´m not sure about the other countries.
I opened an account at HSBC France and my banker confirmed me that whenever we want to he can open an account to any HSBC agencies in Canada for us. That way when we´re ready to go we can just transfer the funds.
Here is the link:

http://www.hsbc.ca/hsbc/personal_en/international-services/account-access/opening-an-hsbc-account

I hope the info helps.

[21-09-2005,11:24]
[***.248.192.30]
Canada1702
(in reply to: Bank Account In Canada)
Thank you all.

RBC and HSBC both sound an excellent choice to do your banking with.

Thanks Saleh and thankyou Canada1702 for giving a clear and precise answer.

[21-09-2005,12:41]
[***.113.161.122]
starwars