What GIC Amount Is Required as Mandatory Living Expense Proof for a Canada Study Permit?
As a single applicant applying from outside Quebec, you must show a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of CAD 22,895 as mandatory proof of living expenses for your Canada study permit. This is separate from your tuition fee and confirms you can support yourself financially during your studies.
Before you can secure your Canada study permit, you need to prove you can financially support yourself, and this is done through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate. If you are applying as a single student from outside Quebec, the required amount is a fixed figure you should plan for well in advance.
GIC and Related Cost Requirements
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mandatory GIC (single applicant, outside Quebec) | CAD 22,895 (approx INR 15.52 L) |
| Undergraduate tuition range | CAD 20,000 (approx INR 13.56 L) to CAD 45,000 (approx INR 30.51 L) |
| Master's tuition range | CAD 18,000 (approx INR 12.20 L) to CAD 55,000 (approx INR 37.29 L) |
| In-study work rights | Up to 24 hours per week off-campus during terms |
Why the GIC Matters
The GIC exists to reassure Canadian immigration authorities that you will not face financial hardship while studying. It sits alongside your tuition payment and other financial documents as part of the updated financial benchmarks applicants must meet for their study permit.
My Advice
Arrange your GIC well ahead of your visa interview, since processing it through an approved Canadian bank takes time. Keep this amount separate in your planning from tuition and rent, and confirm the exact current figure with your bank or a study abroad counsellor before you apply.
Cash income, business income or no ITR?
See whether your funds and documents will pass the Canadian visa check.
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