CANADA • STUDENT GIC PROGRAM

Open Your Canada GIC with Confidence.

Compare trusted Canadian banks, get expert guidance and open your Student GIC hassle-free for a smooth study in Canada journey.

Trusted Canadian banks
RBC Royal Bank, TD Bank, BMO
Expert guidance
End-to-end assistance
Secure & hassle-free
Smooth application process
Open Your Canada GIC with Confidence
Study • Work • Live in Canada

Open your Canada Student GIC Online

Official Partner Banks | Zero Extra Service Fees

Select your preferred Canadian bank from the dropdown and proceed directly to the official GIC application portal.

100% IRCC Compliant CDIC Insured up to CAD 100,000 Official Bank Portals

Choose from top Canada GIC providers

Compare options from leading Canadian banks. All providers meet the IRCC GIC requirements.

RBC Royal Bank

Canada's largest bank with $0 program fee & coast-to-coast branches
Program fee
Free ($0)
Zero program fee
  • 100% Free ($0) program fee — zero setup or handling charges
  • Releases CAD 6,948 on account opening + 12 monthly installments of CAD 1,375
  • Canada's largest financial institution by assets
  • Over 1,200 branches & 4,000+ ATMs coast-to-coast
RBC Royal Bank Logo

TD Bank

Popular GIC provider with zero program fee & 7-day branch hours
Program fee
Free ($0)
Zero program fee
  • 100% Free ($0) program fee — zero setup or handling charges
  • Releases CAD 8,448 on account opening + 10 monthly installments of CAD 1,500
  • Branches open 7 days a week with extended hours
  • Fast 1–2 business day confirmation certificate
TD Bank Logo

BMO Bank of Montreal

Canada's first chartered bank (Est. 1817) with BMO NewStart® perks
Program fee
CAD 150
Low handling fee
  • Releases CAD 7,448 on account opening + 10 monthly installments of CAD 1,600
  • Canada's first chartered bank (Founded 1817)
  • BMO NewStart® Program for newcomer students
  • Streamlined digital pre-arrival registration
BMO Bank of Montreal Logo
PLAN COMPARISON

Compare Canada GIC providers

A quick comparison to help you choose the right provider. For latest details, check the respective bank's website or talk to our experts.

Key Features
RBC Royal Bank
RBC Royal Bank
TD Bank
TD Bank
BMO
BMO
Meets IRCC GIC requirements
Online application available
INR transfer support
Account opening
CAD 6,948 CAD 8,448 CAD 7,448
Payout structure
12 × CAD 1,375 / mo 10 × CAD 1,500 / mo 10 × CAD 1,600 / mo
Qualifying nationalities
9 Countries / Regions 26 Countries 13 Countries
Customer support
Program Fees
Free Free CAD 150
Apply with Expert
Essential Visa Requirement

What is a Canada GIC?

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a fixed deposit offered by Canadian banks to international students. It is a mandatory financial requirement for your Canada study visa and helps cover your living expenses during the first year of study in Canada.

Mandatory IRCC GIC Amount
CAD $23,448 / 1st Year
Official IRCC Requirement

Why do students choose GIC?

Meets IRCC financial requirements Official proof of funds for Canada study permit
Safe and secure investment CDIC insured up to CAD $100,000 with guaranteed returns
Helps manage living expenses in Canada Initial arrival lump-sum + steady monthly payouts
Offered by trusted Canadian banks Direct accounts with RBC Royal Bank, TD Bank & BMO
Canada Study Permit • Proof of Funds
What is a Canada GIC?
100% IRCC Accepted CDIC Protected
Simple 4-Step Process

How it works

Open your Canada GIC in just a few simple steps with our expert guidance.

01
Compare Banks

Choose a Provider

Compare top Canadian banks (RBC Royal Bank, TD Bank, and BMO) and select the one that suits you.

$0 program fee options
Compare payout schedules
IRCC & CDIC approved
02
100% Online

Submit Your Details

Provide your passport and official Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Our experts will guide you with the application process.

Passport & DLI LOA upload
Zero extra service fees
Step-by-step expert support
03
CAD $23,448

Transfer Funds

Make the payment as per the provider's instructions (USD/CAD/INR options) with lowest interbank forex rates.

Local INR & wire options
Live interbank forex rates
Wire buffer guidance
04
24–48 Hours

Receive GIC Certificate

Get your official GIC confirmation certificate and documents ready for your Canada study visa application.

1–2 day digital certificate
Ready for IRCC visa filing
100% visa refusal refund

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Student Knowledge Hub

Everything You Need to Know About Canada Student GIC

Understand official IRCC living cost thresholds (CAD 23,448), compare approved Canadian banks, learn how to transfer funds, and review arrival payout schedules.

What is the Canada Student GIC?

IRCC Compliant

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a Canadian investment account that offers a guaranteed rate of return over a fixed period:

Mandatory Minimum Living Cost: CAD 23,448
In accordance with updated IRCC regulations, the minimum cost-of-living requirement for a single study permit applicant is benchmarked to 75% of Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO), which is currently CAD 23,448.
Fast-Track Visa Financial Proof
Under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines, holding an approved GIC Certificate from a CDIC-insured bank serves as incontrovertible proof that you have sufficient funds for your first academic year.
CDIC Statutory Deposit Protection
All participating Canadian chartered banks are members of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), guaranteeing your deposits up to CAD 100,000 against any institutional insolvency.

Wire Buffers & Province Coverage

Guidelines

Key remittance planning details to ensure seamless certificate generation:

Administrative Wire Buffer: CAD 150 - CAD 200
Canadian banks recommend sending an additional CAD 150–200 to absorb foreign intermediary wire deductions, ensuring your received net principal meets the full CAD 23,448 threshold. Any unused buffer is refunded into your chequing account.
Valid Across All Canadian Provinces
Approved GIC certificates are accepted across all Canadian provinces and territories including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia (Quebec applicants may have additional CAQ financial benchmarks).
Who Needs a Canada Student GIC?
Any international student accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) pursuing a college diploma, bachelor's degree, post-graduate certificate, or master's program in Canada.
TD Bank Logo

TD Bank (Toronto-Dominion Bank)

Best Value • $0 Fee
Over 1,000 branches coast-to-coast with zero program fees and the highest initial arrival release.
Program Fee
CAD $0 (Free)
Zero handling charges
Account Opening Release
CAD $8,448
Credited upon arrival in Canada
Monthly Payout
CAD 1,500 / mo
10 equal monthly installments
GIC Certificate Speed
1–2 Business Days
CDIC Insured up to CAD 100,000
Key Benefits & Perks
  • 100% Free ($0) Program Fee — Zero setup or administrative charges.
  • Highest Initial Release — CAD $8,448 on opening + 10 × CAD 1,500/mo.
  • 7-Day Extended Branch Hours — 1,000+ branches open evenings & weekends.
  • TD Student Chequing Account — $0 monthly fee with unlimited transactions.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Valid Passport — Citizen of one of TD Bank's 26 qualifying countries.
  • DLI Admission Letter — Official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian DLI.
  • Minimum CAD 23,448 Deposit — Sent from student's or parent's bank account.
  • Provincial Age of Majority — 18+ or 19+ years old depending on province.
Steps to Apply
1
Register Online Upload Passport & DLI LOA on the TD Student GIC portal.
2
Wire Instructions Receive TD investment account details within 24 hours.
3
Transfer CAD 23,448 Remit funds via local INR payment or SWIFT wire transfer.
4
Download Certificate Issued in 1–2 business days for study permit submission.
Qualifying Nationalities (26 Countries)
Algeria
Antigua & Barbuda
Bangladesh
Brazil
Cameroon
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
France
Ghana
Guinea
India
Japan
Mexico
Morocco
Nepal
Nigeria
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Senegal
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Trinidad & Tobago
Vietnam
RBC Royal Bank Logo

RBC Royal Bank (Royal Bank of Canada)

Largest Bank • $0 Fee
Canada's #1 largest bank delivering zero program fees, 12-month steady payouts, and 1,200+ branches.
Program Fee
CAD $0 (Free)
Zero setup or handling fee
Account Opening Release
CAD $6,948
Credited upon arrival in Canada
Monthly Payout
CAD 1,375 / mo
12 equal monthly installments
GIC Certificate Speed
1 Business Day
CDIC Insured up to CAD 100,000
Key Benefits & Perks
  • 100% Free ($0) Program Fee — Zero setup fee with 1-day certificate issuance.
  • Full 12-Month Payout Plan — CAD $6,948 on opening + 12 × CAD 1,375/mo.
  • RBC Advantage Student Banking — $0 monthly fee & unlimited Interac e-Transfers.
  • Newcomer Student Credit Card — Eligible with no prior Canadian credit history.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Valid Passport — Citizen of one of RBC's 9 qualifying countries/regions.
  • DLI Admission Letter — Official Letter of Acceptance or Enrollment from a DLI.
  • Minimum CAD 23,448 Deposit — Sent from student's or parent's bank account.
  • Coast-to-Coast Network — 1,200+ branches & 4,000+ ATMs across Canada.
Steps to Apply
1
Register via Portal Apply online on the RBC Partner Portal with Passport & LOA.
2
Wire Instruction Sheet Access your RBC GIC account wire details in your portal.
3
Transfer CAD 23,448 Fund via local INR payment or international wire transfer.
4
Get Certificate (1 Day) Download certificate in 1 business day & activate on arrival.
Qualifying Nationalities (9 Countries / Regions)
Antigua & Barbuda
China
Costa Rica
Hong Kong
India
Philippines
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
Trinidad & Tobago
Vietnam
BMO Bank of Montreal Logo

BMO Bank of Montreal

Canada's First Bank (Est. 1817)
Founded in 1817, BMO offers the highest monthly living allowance (CAD 1,600/mo) and BMO NewStart® banking perks.
Program Fee
CAD $150
One-time administrative fee
Account Opening Release
CAD $7,448
Credited upon arrival in Canada
Monthly Payout
CAD 1,600 / mo
10 equal monthly installments
GIC Certificate Speed
2–3 Business Days
CDIC Insured up to CAD 100,000
Key Benefits & Perks
  • Highest Monthly Payout — CAD $7,448 on opening + 10 × CAD 1,600/mo.
  • BMO NewStart® Package — Free student banking during studies + 1 yr after.
  • BMO CashBack® Mastercard — Build Canadian credit with grocery cashback.
  • 900+ Branches Coast-to-Coast — Dedicated advisors across all university cities.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Valid Passport — Citizen of one of BMO's 13 qualifying countries (18+).
  • DLI Admission Letter — Official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian DLI.
  • CAD 23,448 + CAD 150 Fee — Sent from student's or family member's account.
  • 100% Visa Refusal Refund — Full GIC principal refunded if visa is declined.
Steps to Apply
1
Online Registration Complete the digital BMO Pre-Arrival form with Passport & LOA.
2
Payment Sheet Receive your BMO wire instruction sheet via your secure portal.
3
Transfer Funds Remit CAD 23,448 + CAD 150 fee in INR or CAD via wire transfer.
4
Get Certificate Download certificate in 2–3 business days & activate on arrival.
Qualifying Nationalities (13 Countries)
Antigua and Barbuda
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
India
Morocco
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Senegal
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Vietnam

4 Simple Steps to Open & Fund Your Canada GIC

100% Online

The Canadian GIC process is entirely digital and completed before you travel:

1

Choose Provider

Select your preferred Canadian bank (RBC Royal Bank, TD Bank, or BMO) based on fees and transfer preferences.

2

Upload Docs

Provide your passport copy and official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) with your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number.

3

Transfer Funds

Remit CAD 23,448 plus the wire buffer via local INR transfer or international outward wire at live interbank rates.

4

Get Certificate

Receive your official GIC Confirmation Certificate within 24 to 48 hours for immediate submission with your study permit.

How Does the GIC Payout Work in Canada?

Structured Payouts

IRCC requires GIC funds to be disbursed systematically over 10 to 12 months to support your living expenses:

1. Arrival & ID Verification

Visit your bank branch with your passport, study permit issued at airport immigration, and welcome letter (or complete mobile biometric check).

2. Initial Payout on Opening

TD Bank releases CAD $8,448, BMO releases CAD $7,448, and RBC releases CAD $6,948 immediately into your student chequing account upon activation.

3. Monthly Installments

TD Bank pays 10 monthly installments of CAD 1,500, BMO pays 10 monthly installments of CAD 1,600, and RBC pays 12 monthly installments of CAD 1,375 plus interest.

4. SIN & Credit Building

Collect your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and activate your student credit card to begin establishing your Canadian credit history.

100% Visa Refusal Refund Guarantee

Full Protection

Your funds are 100% safe and refundable under Canadian banking regulations:

100% Principal Returned
If your Canadian study permit is refused by IRCC, your entire CAD 23,448 principal is refunded back to the originating bank account.
Simple IRCC Refusal Letter Submission
Simply upload a copy of your official IRCC Refusal Letter to your bank's portal. The bank initiates the wire refund immediately.
2 to 4 Weeks Processing Timeline
Funds are credited back to the source account within 2–4 business weeks, deducting only a minor wire fee (typically CAD $25–$50).

Withdrawals & Intake Deferrals

Flexible

What to do if your study timeline or institution changes:

Intake Deferral (Next Semester)
You do not need to cancel or re-open your GIC account. Simply update your intake date on the bank portal and submit your updated Letter of Acceptance.
Voluntary Withdrawal Before Travel
If you withdraw before travelling to Canada, submit your university withdrawal confirmation or proof of visa cancellation for a full refund.
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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions international students ask about opening a Student GIC in Canada.

The GIC stands for Guaranteed Investment Certificate issued by various Canadian banks to their residents, international students and workers.

As per the latest IRCC rules, the minimum required amount for a Canada Student GIC is CAD 23,448 for your first year of living expenses, plus an administrative wire buffer of CAD 150–200.

TD Bank and RBC Royal Bank both offer a $0 program fee ($0 setup/handling fee), while BMO (Bank of Montreal) charges CAD 150. All three partner banks are CDIC-insured Canadian 'Big Five' chartered banks with extensive coast-to-coast branch networks.

Upon activating your account on arrival in Canada, each bank follows a structured payout schedule totaling CAD 23,448 plus interest: TD Bank releases CAD $8,448 on account opening and 10 monthly installments of CAD 1,500 each; BMO releases CAD $7,448 on account opening and 10 monthly installments of CAD 1,600 each; and RBC Royal Bank releases CAD $6,948 on account opening with 12 monthly installments of CAD 1,375 each.

The GIC Investment Certificate will be delivered automatically via email to your Secure account provided by the bank.

The processing time for GIC Certificate solely depends on the bank you choose.

Yes, Student GIC is refundable per IRCC guidelines if a Student visa application has been rejected or they chose to withdraw their application. The bank might charge a cancellation and wire transfer fee.

As per the latest IRCC rules, the minimum required amount for a Canada Student GIC is CAD 23,448 for your first year of living expenses, plus an administrative wire buffer of CAD 150–200.

Yes, the GIC account is mandatory if you apply for a Study visa under the SDS program.

Under IRCC's updated cost-of-living guidelines, students are required to deposit CAD 23,448 into their Canadian GIC account for their first year of study (benchmarked to 75% of Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off - LICO), plus an additional CAD 150–200 to cover intermediary bank handling fees.

Both TD Bank and RBC Royal Bank offer a $0 program fee ($0 setup/handling fee), while BMO charges CAD 150. All three partner banks are CDIC-insured Canadian 'Big Five' chartered banks and are fully recognized by IRCC.

Yes! Partner banks such as TD Bank, RBC Royal Bank, and BMO provide streamlined payment pathways for international remittances. Additionally, Abroad Cube's International Money Transfer service enables you to remit funds directly in INR at live interbank rates with zero extra markup.

Your money is completely safe. In the event of a visa refusal, you simply provide a copy of your IRCC refusal letter to the bank. The bank will refund your entire deposited CAD 23,448 principal back to the bank account from which it was transferred, minus a small administrative wire fee (typically CAD 25-50).

Once your remittance is received and processed by the Canadian bank (which takes 1–3 business days depending on payment method), your official GIC Confirmation Certificate is generated electronically within 24 to 48 hours and can be immediately downloaded for your visa application.

Upon landing in Canada and activating your account, each bank follows a structured payout schedule totaling CAD 23,448 plus interest: TD Bank releases CAD $8,448 on account opening and 10 monthly installments of CAD 1,500 each; BMO releases CAD $7,448 on account opening and 10 monthly installments of CAD 1,600 each; and RBC Royal Bank releases CAD $6,948 on account opening with 12 monthly installments of CAD 1,375 each.

You only need two primary documents: a high-resolution color copy of your valid international passport (photo and signature pages), and your official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) containing your DLI number.

Yes. You do not need an existing Canadian bank account. The entire GIC application is completed 100% online from your home country before you travel. Your Canadian chequing and savings accounts will be pre-allocated and ready to activate upon your arrival in Canada.
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