DVG

I'm a British Citizen (born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland) living in Canada since 1982 with my Canadian husband. We are planning to retire in Belfast and while we will be selling our home and will have in excess of the savings amount, I would prefer not to wait the 6 month period to have that money in our account before submitting the Spouse Visa application for my husband. Would the monies we have in our RRSPs be classified as savings for the financial requirement? Canadian RRSPs are similar to the SIPP in the UK.

SanDiegogirl

You don't need to have the cash proceeds from a property sale in your bank account for 6 months, as long as you owned the said property for 6 months prior to the date of application. See Page 49 onwards of the following document:

https://assets.publishing.service.go...equirement.pdf

You can use the money (after lawyers fees, taxes etc) as soon as it is in your bank account. You need to supply documents to show sale and all fees paid.

DVG

Thanks so much, that's great. I just read the link you posted too...much appreciated.

I'm still curious to know about the RRSP's if they count as well, if anyone knows the answer to that. Thanks

celine_uk

ha yes the RRSP question, id like to know that as well... most outside of Canada won't know what that is, its basically like an ISA, tax free gains.... but with an RRSP its an account in which you get a tax deduction by putting money in but when you withdraw you get taxed, I wonder if any Canadians who have moved to UK can answer this ?

Can RRSP funds be used to prove the financial requirement for the spouse via ?

DVG

If you find out about the RRSP, let met me know and likewise. Also the UK ISA is the same as our TFSA...our RRSPs is same/similar to the UK SIPP (Self Insured Pension Plan).

celine_uk

thanks for the reference to SIPP that is helpful!