Canada is one of the most sought-after study destinations worldwide for its excellent research opportunities, practical skill-focused curricula, and culturally inclusive environment. For an Indian student, a qualification from Canadian educational institutions is a key to new academic heights and dazzling career prospects. However, the road to all these benefits is paved by a considerable financial investment, usually in the form of an overseas education loan. This is required for the tuition fee payments, cost of living during the course, and for various visa requirements, such as the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).

For first-time borrowers, the process around the GIC can be confusing, especially with the changing norms around the international student visa process in Canada. It is important to understand this aspect before applying for an education loan for Canada, as it can affect the types of loans or lenders at one’s disposal. This article will shed some light on the GIC process to give students a clear perspective.

What is GIC, and is it Required for Education Loans for Canada?

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a necessary document for Canadian student visas (known as study permits), especially for international students in the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa route. The certificate showed proof of living costs for 1 year, with a deposit of CAD 22,985 into a bank approved by Canadian visa authorities. Students required a pre-visa disbursement of this amount for the certificate, and were able to access these funds in monthly installments upon their arrival in Canada. In 2024, the Canadian government marked the end of the SDS stream.

For students applying in 2026, GIC is optional instead of a necessity. Students can submit proof of living expenses in other ways. However, having a GIC is still recommended for international students, for benefits beyond the student visa documentation process. In the next section, let us go over the benefits of a GIC account for international students.

Benefits of Using an Education Loan for Canada for GIC

The GIC account takes care of a student’s monthly living expenses for a full year, including rent, food, transport, and other day-to-day costs. Setting aside this figure makes budgeting easier. Some other benefits of GIC are mentioned below.

• It is helpful for study permit procedures, acting as proof of living expenses.
• Students can easily access the amount once the account is activated, including a lump sum in the first month for deposits, rent, and other costs.
• Students receive a fixed monthly amount, easing the stress about daily expenses while they study.
• The amount in the GIC account earns around 1 – 1.25% interest from the moment it is created.

With the GIC amount in their back pocket, students can rest assured knowing that they will not run out of money during their course, especially during the first year. Having understood its benefits, let’s get an idea about how it all works next.

How Does the GIC Function?

The amount required for GIC (around CAD 22,985) can be provided by an early disbursement of an education loan for Canada or from the student’s savings. Students need to deposit the amount into a bank account approved by the Canadian student visa authorities. After the amount is deposited, it is locked until one clears the student visa process and reaches their preferred student city.

Once this locked period is over, students receive the remaining amount and accrued interest. The GIC amount includes the initial deposit, monthly payments, and processing fees. The student may be able to access the funds differently based on the type of GIC, so let’s get a better understanding in the next section.

Types of GIC for Canada

International students may think that the GIC is like an FD, where the full amount is locked away for a certain period. While this is quite accurate, their access to funds and the interest-related returns they get are based on the type of GIC they opt for. Based on their student visa restrictions, students using a study abroad loan for GIC can choose from 3 types:

• Non-Cashable GIC: This account locks the amount for a given duration, providing a relatively high interest rate and guaranteed fixed returns. However, it restricts students from withdrawing or allows withdrawals with a penalty.
• Cashable GIC: Also called a redeemable GIC, it has a shorter lock-in period of around 30 – 90 days. It provides a guaranteed principal amount, but it may have lower interest rates.
• Market Growth GIC: This type of account is tied to the stock market index and is usually non-cashable until it matures. Interest rates and returns depend on the market instead of a fixed amount.

Having gone over the established types of GIC accounts, it is also important to know which lenders are approved by the Canadian government. The next section covers the details students may need.

Lenders Offering GIC Account Services

Canadian authorities only support a handful of lenders for GIC, according to the security, transparency, and procedural protocols. Let’s look below for the details of the GIC accounts offered by each of these lenders.

It is possible to apply for an education loan elsewhere and simply transfer the funds needed for GIC to one of these lenders. So, when looking for an education loan for Canada, students should prioritize pre-visa disbursement services, sufficient loan amounts, competitive interest rates, education loan insurance policies, and easy transfer facilities for the GIC account. Next, we will go over the important parts of a student profile for a GIC to study in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for a GIC Account

The eligibility criteria for a GIC account are incumbent upon all the procedures that students follow before they apply for one, from admission to gathering funds. Each student profile may be unique, but it needs to clear a few requirements to be accepted. Go through those requirements below.

• Students should have a confirmed letter of admission from a Designated Learning Institution.
• They should have a clear source of funds for the certificate, such as savings or education loans for Canada.
• Their application for the Canada study permit should meet all the requirements set forth by the authorities.
• They should have the funds to transfer the full amount needed for a GIC account from an approved source or lender.

Now that they know the necessities for GIC, students should also know the steps in obtaining it. This will help them plan their application timing to line up with their estimated arrival in Canada.

How to Apply for GIC as an International Student?

Before one starts the GIC process, it is crucial to get an education loan for Canada and set up the first disbursement for this process. The first step to applying for GIC is selecting a provider approved by the student visa authorities. After that, students can follow the steps given below to complete the process.

• Fill out the online application form with all the necessary academic, financial, and personal details.
• Upload the necessary documents and communicate with the bank for any further requirements.
• Transfer CAD 22,895 to the GIC account through an approved portal.
• Wait for the bank to verify the payment and issue the GIC.
• Use the GIC as proof of living expenses in the student visa process and receive the visa.

After this, all that is left to do is to activate the GIC account after reaching Canada and receive the first amount. Students can also track the monthly payments through the bank application. Next up, we will help students figure out which bank to choose for their GIC account.

Smart Tips to Choose the Right Bank for GIC in Canada

While only a few lenders are providing GIC services for aspirants headed to Canada, students need to consider security, convenience, and open communication as the top priorities. Some ways to ensure a smooth GIC process are mentioned below.

• Ensure that the chosen bank allows online applications and account management for easy coordination.
• Opt for banks with lower processing and setup fees to save money.
• Make sure that the bank communicates clearly about the timing, amount, and process required for fund disbursement upon reaching Canada.
• Try to select a bank with a good interest rate, as even the smallest percentages add towards savings over time.
• Research online forums and social media for the experiences of various international students with the bank.

It would be smart to talk the decision through with an expert to objectively weigh the pros and cons of each bank before starting the application process. Time is of the essence when it comes to such delicate procedures, so reaching out to experts can expedite the process significantly.

Whether students want to browse education loans for Canada or understand the GIC process further, Élan Overseas Education Loans covers every need an international student may have. With seasoned loan experts who will discuss each step of the overseas education loan repayment process transparently, and services that support students from home to Canada and beyond, we are the one-stop destination for all funding requirements. Reach out to us today to create a profile and get started.

GIC for International Students in Canada FAQs

• Can the amount used for GIC be reimbursed?
  Yes, the money required for the GIC can be reimbursed if the student visa application is rejected or if the student withdraws their admission for other reasons. The refund application process and time vary across lenders.
• Is an education loan for Canada necessary for the GIC?
  It is not necessary to get an education loan for Canada to cover the GIC amount, but it is recommended to avoid financial strain. Students also need to cover tuition fees, travel, health insurance, and other expenses, which is convenient with these loans.
• Can I use the GIC funds to pay for the tuition fees?
  The GIC is mainly used for living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, etc. Therefore, the fund disbursements align with the timings for these expenses. It is best to pay tuition fees separately.
• Can I renew my GIC account after it matures?
  Yes, most banks allow students to renew their GIC account for another term. The amount required and interest payable may vary slightly.
• Can I change the GIC amount after I reach Canada?
  It is difficult to add to or withdraw from the GIC account once the disbursement begins. It is possible to withdraw additional funds from a cashable GIC account or open another GIC account as per the bank’s regulations.