An applicant under the SDS (Student Direct Stream) category asked whether a letter of financial support from parents just needs a signature, or whether it must also be notarized.
What the group confirmed:- The letter must be both signed by the parents and notarized — a signature alone is not treated as sufficient.
- Notarization is a routine, low-friction step — any local notary can notarize the letter, so this isn't a major hurdle in preparing your application.
Practical takeaway:- Have your parents sign the financial support letter, then take it to a notary for notarization before submitting it with your SDS application.
- Don't submit a signed-only letter assuming it will be accepted — notarization is expected.
- Check your specific visa office's current formatting guidance, since document requirements can be updated over time.