Embarking on a study journey in Canada is an exciting prospect for many Indian students. Canada has emerged as one of the top study destinations for Indian students, offering world-class education, a multicultural environment, and promising career opportunities. With the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program on November 8, 2024, students need to provide more documents for financial proof. Let's explore how international students can fulfil this crucial financial requirement—the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)—even without the streamlined SDS route.
What is GIC Canada?
The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a secure financial investment required by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for international students as part of the financial proof for their study permit application. The primary purpose of this investment is to ensure that students have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses in Canada. The IRCC-mandated amount is CAD 20,635 (approximately INR 12.5 Lakhs). This increase from CAD 10,000 reflects Canada's rising cost of living and inflation.

The GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) is a liquid investment, enabling students to withdraw a fixed amount each month while earning a guaranteed return on the remaining balance. This structured approach allows for easy access to funds for monthly living expenses while ensuring a fixed rate of return on the unused portion. Moreover, it assures the Canadian government that students have sufficient financial resources, promoting economic stability throughout their academic journey.