The answer depends on whether the sum is a genuine gift rather than a loan, and whether it is tied to a specific procedure. If a sibling-in-law makes a gift for the applicant’s procedure, the connection is considered direct: the gift must be given personally to the person filing the application, not just ‘for immigration’ in general. The word ‘gift’ alone is not enough — it must be proven that it is not a loan.

Why forum answers swing between ‘yes’ and ‘no’

Contradictory answers in chats are often given by people who don’t see the full picture. A common opinion may be based on true facts, but without details about the reason for a refusal it turns into an absolute ‘truth’ that can harm the process. So the right approach starts with asking which circumstances actually matter for a specific case.

If a relative makes a gift for a specific procedure, the connection is considered direct: for example, a brother gives a gift to a sister who is filing the application. The gift must be given to the person who is the applicant. Such a link cannot be ignored, especially if the gift is properly documented and meets all the requirements it must satisfy.

Questions worth asking about a gift

A list of questions from the material that help separate a gift from a loan

  • Is this really a gift and not a loan?
  • Why is the relative making this gift?
  • Does he or she have the means to make it?
  • Was the gift given to the person who is the applicant?

Questions that separate a gift from a loan

Before applying, it’s worth asking yourself a few questions: is this really a gift and not a loan? Why would the relative make such a gift? Does he or she actually have the means to make it? The answers should be clearly recorded in advance. There is no separate official checklist of such questions: they need to be formulated independently, based on common sense and the circumstances of the case.

The importance of the relationship and program context

Based on the cases described, a sponsor or donor should be a genuinely close person to the applicant. A friend who is not a relative typically cannot easily make such a gift. However, there have been cases in practice where a study visa was issued with sponsorship from friends, and the outcome was obtained without complications. A lot depends on the type of program and the timing of the application, especially under the current Express Entry rules.