Quick Answer
Before your RESP Educational Assistance Payment can be released, your provider needs to see proof that you’re enrolled in a qualifying program. Get an official letter or form from your school, make sure it includes your program name and dates, and submit it alongside your withdrawal request. That’s the main barrier between you and your education savings.
At Embark, we want every family to feel confident when it’s time to access their education savings. Getting the right documentation ready ahead of time is one of the best ways to avoid delays — and this guide will walk you through exactly what you need.
You need to provide official proof of enrolment before an RESP Educational Assistance Payment can be paid. The document would come from the post-secondary institution and clearly show the student’s enrolment details, although the exact checklist and submission method can vary by provider.
The good news? Getting the right document is usually straightforward once you know what to look for. This Embark guide explains what proof of enrolment is, what documents may count, and how to submit one without slowing down your RESP withdrawal. If you still have questions at the end, feel free to speak with one of our experts.
| 📖 Definition: Proof of enrolment for an RESP withdrawal is the official document a provider uses to confirm that the beneficiary is enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program before releasing EAP funds. |
Key Takeaways
- Proof of enrolment is required before an RESP EAP can be paid.
- The document must come from the school and show key details like program name, dates, and full-time or part-time status.
- The only accepted document is verification of enrolment
- Receipts are not a CRA-required document before an EAP can be made — though some providers may ask for them.
- Submitting your proof and withdrawal request together is the best way to avoid delays.
- Once your withdrawal is processed, students can download their T4A directly from their Embark portal.
Do you need proof of enrolment for an RESP withdrawal?
Yes. When you request an Educational Assistance Payment (EAP) from your RESP, your RESP provider needs to confirm that the student (called the beneficiary) is enrolled in a qualifying post-secondary program. They do so by asking for proof of enrolment.
This requirement applies specifically to EAP withdrawals, which include investment earnings and government grants — but not your original contributions. If you’re withdrawing only your own contributions rather than the education savings portion, different rules may apply. For more detail on how withdrawals work, see our guide on withdrawing from your RESP, or review RESP withdrawal rules and how to access your education savings. Embark’s team is also here to help if you have additional questions.
What counts as proof of enrolment for RESP withdrawal requests?
There isn’t a single document that every provider requires, but a few types are commonly accepted. Whatever the format, the document needs to come directly from the school and clearly confirm the student’s enrolment status.
Common examples include:
- A verification of enrolment form — a standard document most schools can issue. Learn more about what a verification of enrolment form is. Not sure what a VOE looks like? Embark provides a sample VOE on our website so students know exactly what to request from their school and what fields must be included.
Screenshots or informal printouts are often not accepted on their own. The document should clearly show key details (see the checklist below) and be issued directly by the school. Always confirm with your RESP provider what format they accept before requesting a document.
What your proof-of-enrolment document should include
Missing even one of the details below is one of the most common reasons a document gets sent back. When you request the letter or form from your school, ask the registrar’s office to include all of the following:
✅ Document Checklist
- Student’s full name
- Institution name
- Program title
- Start and end dates
- Total duration or current academic year
- Full-time or part-time status (when relevant)
- A recent issue date, if your provider requires current documentation
How to submit proof of enrolment for an RESP withdrawal
The submission process is fairly simple once you have the right document. Here’s how it usually works:
- Get the document from your school. Contact the registrar or student services office. Most schools can issue a verification of enrolment letter or form within a few business days.
- Confirm what your RESP provider accepts. Ask whether they need a specific form, letter, or format before you submit.
- Complete your withdrawal request form. Fill out your provider’s RESP withdrawal form at the same time.
- Upload or submit your proof. Most providers allow online submission, email, or mail. Follow your provider’s steps exactly.
- Respond quickly if asked for more. If your provider needs a clarification or an updated document, a fast response keeps the process moving.
Submitting your proof of enrolment and your withdrawal request at the same time is usually the best way to avoid delays. For more details, see our guide on how to get your RESP money.
With Embark, your account lets you complete your withdrawal request and upload your proof of enrolment in the same step — so you can get everything in at once. The entire withdrawal process — including uploading your VOE — takes about 5 minutes to start, online. Most other RESP providers require a branch visit every time you need a withdrawal.
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Ready to make an RESP withdrawal with Embark? |
Why proof of enrolment gets rejected or causes delays
Even when a family has the right kind of document, small details can cause a delay. Common issues include:
- Missing start or end dates
- No full-time or part-time status when the provider needs it
- A screenshot or portal view that doesn’t show the school’s name or an official header
- An outdated document
- Information that doesn’t match the withdrawal request (for example, a different spelling of the student’s name)
If your document is returned or your withdrawal is paused, your provider will usually tell you what is missing. Asking your school to reissue the document with all the required fields is typically the fastest fix.
Do you need receipts too?
This is a common point of confusion, and it is worth clearing up.
According to Canadian government guidance, RESP providers are required to obtain proof of enrolment before making an EAP — but they are not required by the CRA to obtain receipts from the beneficiary as proof of expenses before making that payment.
In practice, this means receipts for tuition, books, or housing may be requested by some providers as part of their own process, but this is your provider’s own preference, not a government-wide rule. If your provider asks for receipts in addition to proof of enrolment, ask them to confirm exactly what they need before you start gathering documents.
At Embark, we’re upfront about exactly what we require — no surprises. Our withdrawal checklist tells you precisely what to submit before you start.
What families should do before submitting an RESP withdrawal request
A few simple steps can help the process go smoothly:
- Confirm the school and program details are correct and up to date
- Request the newest available document from your school’s registrar office
- Ask your provider what format they accept — don’t assume one document fits all
- Review whether your withdrawal includes an EAP, a contribution withdrawal, or both — see https://www.embark.ca/learning-centre/what-role-eaps-play-in-respswhat role EAPs play in RESPs for more detail
- Submit everything at once where possible, to reduce back-and-forth
If you’re not sure whether the school qualifies, visit our guide to RESP eligible schools. Studying outside Canada? See how to use an RESP to study outside Canada.
For timing tips, see when is the best time to withdraw from your RESP, and for info on what the funds can cover, see what can an RESP be used for.
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Ready to make an RESP withdrawal with Embark? |
At Embark, Canada’s leading RESP provider, we processed over 120,000 withdrawals entirely online in 2025, with more than $600 million paid out to students and families. If you have questions about which documents to submit or how the process works, our Education Savings Specialists are just a click away.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need proof of enrolment for every RESP withdrawal?
Proof of enrolment is mainly required for Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs), which include investment earnings and government grants — not your original contributions. If you’re withdrawing only your own contributions, the documentation requirements may be different. Check with your provider to confirm what applies to your specific withdrawal.
What documents count as proof of enrolment?
You will need a verification of enrolment form, or an institution-issued confirmation letter. The document would come from the school and clearly show the student’s name, program, dates, and enrolment status.
Can I use a screenshot or student portal printout?
It depends on your provider. Some may accept an official portal printout, but screenshots without school letterhead or an official header are often not accepted. Always check with your provider before submitting to avoid delays.
Do I need receipts as well as proof of enrolment?
Not always. Canadian government guidance indicates that providers are not required by the CRA to collect receipts from the beneficiary before making an EAP. However, we recommend you keep them for your own records since they will be needed for the student come tax season.
Why was my RESP proof of enrolment rejected?
The most common reasons are missing dates, no full-time or part-time status when the provider needs it, an outdated document, an informal screenshot, or a mismatch between the student details and the withdrawal request. Review the checklist above and ask your school to reissue the document with all required fields included.
Embark is Canada’s education savings and planning company. The organization aims to help families and students along their post-secondary journeys, giving them innovative tools and advice to take hold of their bright futures and succeed.
