Most Canada visa and immigration programs do not require you to have a checking account, but some pathways ask for one at specific stages

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not demand that you hold a checking account to submit a visa application or to land in Canada. However, certain programs—particularly those involving financial proof or refunds—work more smoothly if you have one, and a few specific situations make one nearly essential. The requirement depends on which program you are using, what stage you are at, and whether you are receiving money back from the government.

If you are applying for a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit, you can submit your application without a checking account. If you are sponsoring someone to immigrate to Canada, you do not need one to sign the sponsorship agreement. But if IRCC owes you money—whether a refund of application fees, a return of documents, or a processing deposit—they will ask for banking details to send it. And if you are applying through Express Entry or certain provincial programs, having a way to receive direct deposits makes the process faster and clearer.

Key Takeaways

  • IRCC does not require a checking account to submit most visa applications, but they will ask for one if they need to send you money back.
  • Refunds of application fees, processing deposits, and returned documents are typically sent by direct deposit to a Canadian bank account.
  • If you do not have a Canadian checking account, you can provide a relative's account details, use a money transfer service, or wait for a cheque by mail.
  • Express Entry and some provincial nominee programs move faster if you can receive direct deposits, though they do not strictly require it.
  • If IRCC cannot deposit a refund because you provided no banking information, they will hold the money and you will need to contact them to arrange payment.

When IRCC will ask for your banking details

IRCC asks for a checking account number when they need to return money to you. This happens most often when you withdraw an application before a decision is made, when a visa officer rejects your application and returns your processing fee, or when you overpay an application fee. They also ask for banking details if you are may have access to to a refund under the Temporary Resident Permit fee waiver or if you paid a fee that was later waived by policy change.

The government prefers direct deposit because it is faster and more reliable than mailing a cheque. A direct deposit to a Canadian bank account typically arrives within five to ten business days after IRCC processes the refund. A cheque sent by mail can take three to four weeks or longer, depending on where you live and postal delays.

If you are applying through Express Entry, you do not have to provide banking details upfront, but if you receive an Invitation to Apply and later withdraw, or if circumstances change and you become ineligible, a refund may be issued. Having banking details on file speeds up that process.

What to do if you do not have a Canadian checking account

You have several options if you do not have a Canadian bank account when you need to provide one to IRCC. The simplest is to ask a family member or trusted person in Canada to let you use their account number. You can provide their account details, and IRCC will deposit the refund to their account. You will then need to arrange with that person to transfer the money to you—either in person, by e-transfer, or through a money transfer service.

If no one in Canada can help, you can open a Canadian checking account before submitting your application. Most Canadian banks allow non-residents to open accounts online, though some require you to be in Canada or to have a Canadian phone number. Banks including TD, RBC, BMO, and Scotiabank all offer accounts to people outside Canada, though fees and minimum balances vary.

If you prefer not to open a Canadian account, you can tell IRCC that you do not have one and ask them to send a cheque instead. They will mail it to the address you provide on your application. This takes longer—typically four to six weeks—but it is a valid option. Write to IRCC through their web form or include a note with your application explaining that you are requesting payment by cheque.

How to provide your banking details to IRCC

The method depends on which program you are using and what stage you are at. If you are filling out an online application through the IRCC portal, there is usually a section for banking information. You will need your account holder's name, the bank's routing number (also called the transit number in Canada), the account number, and the account type (chequing or savings).

If you are applying by paper, include your banking details on the form or in a cover letter. If you are already in the middle of an application and need to add or change your banking information, contact IRCC through their web form at canada.ca/contact or call 1-888-242-2342. Have your application number ready.

Do not send banking details by email unless IRCC specifically asks you to. If an IRCC officer requests your information, they will do so through your online account or by mail.

What happens if you do not provide banking details and IRCC owes you money

If IRCC processes a refund and you have not provided banking information, they will hold the money in a suspense account. You will not automatically receive it. Instead, you will need to contact IRCC to request the refund and provide your banking details at that time, or ask them to mail a cheque.

This can delay your refund by several weeks because IRCC has to process your request, verify your identity, and then process the payment. To avoid this, provide banking details or a mailing address when you submit your application, or update your account as soon as you know a refund is coming.

Checking accounts and sponsorship applications

If you are sponsoring someone to immigrate to Canada, you do not need a checking account to sign the sponsorship agreement or to submit your application. However, you will need to show proof of income and financial stability, which often means providing bank statements, tax returns, or employment letters. A checking account with a history of deposits and withdrawals can serve as proof of income, but it is not required—pay stubs, tax documents, and employer letters work just as well.

If IRCC approves your sponsorship and later needs to return a fee or deposit, they will ask for your banking details at that time. You can provide them then, or ask for a cheque.

Direct deposit timelines and what to expect

Once IRCC approves a refund and has your banking details, the money usually arrives within five to ten business days. This assumes the account information is correct and the account is active. If the account number is wrong or the account has been closed, the deposit will be rejected and IRCC will contact you to ask for corrected information.

If you are waiting for a refund and it does not arrive within two weeks of IRCC telling you the refund has been processed, contact IRCC to confirm the banking details they have on file. Ask them to verify the routing number and account number, and check with your bank to make sure the deposit was not rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. IRCC will deposit refunds to either a chequing or savings account. When you provide your banking details, specify which type of account it is. The deposit timeline is the same for both.

What if the person whose account I am using needs the money transferred back to them?

That is between you and them. IRCC will deposit the refund to the account number you provide. Once it arrives, you and the account holder can arrange to transfer it however you both agree—by e-transfer, bank transfer, or in cash.

Do I need a Canadian address to open a Canadian checking account?

Most Canadian banks require a Canadian address to open an account, but some allow you to use a temporary address, a relative's address, or a postal box. Call the bank's international services line to ask what they accept. Online banks like Tangerine and EQ Bank sometimes have more flexible requirements.

If I provide my banking details, can IRCC use them for anything other than refunds?

No. IRCC only uses the banking details you provide to send refunds or return fees. They do not use them to collect payments or to access your account in any other way. Payment of application fees is always done separately through their payment portal or by cheque.

What if IRCC sends a refund to the wrong account by mistake?

Contact IRCC immediately with proof that the account number was incorrect on your application or that you provided corrected information. IRCC can sometimes recover the funds from the bank, but this takes time. Keep records of all banking details you provided to IRCC and any correspondence about the error.