Student’s Guide to SBI Canada GIC

What is GIC and Why is it Needed?

GIC account full form is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate which is an investment account recommended for international students who want to study in Canada for programs under the SDS (Student Direct Stream). 

All international students have to deposit their one year’s living expenses into any Canada-based bank to qualify for a Canada student visa. 

Is GIC mandatory for Canada? Yes, it is a mandatory requirement by the Canadian government. This investment account offers a guaranteed interest rate over a fixed term. Students have to leave their funds in the GIC for a specified period after which they are allowed to withdraw the money.

The Canadian embassy has made a minimum of CAD 10,000 compulsory as the GIC amount required for a Canadian student visa. It is for international students to prove that they can support themselves financially while studying in Canada. For Indian students, there are a few banks that offer GIC account services.

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from SBI Canada is one of the best ways to meet this requirement.

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Opening a GIC Account in SBI

Other banks that offer GIC account services usually charge 200 CAD to 300 CAD as processing fees. On the other hand, SBI Canada sets 150 CAD (if the funds are sent from any other bank) as the service charge. A very frequent question that comes to a students mind is  how much time it takes to open GIC account? Generally it takes around 5-10 days to open a GIC account, depending on the bank. 

How does SBI Canada GIC Work?

1. Set up an account with SBI Canada 
2. Transfer CAD 10,000 and the service fees to purchase the GIC.
3. Once the verification is done and the account is activated, SBIC will then open two accounts in the student’s name:
4. A Super Saver account or a Chequing Account - The Bank will credit CAD 2,000 to this account
5. A Non-Redeemable Student GIC account - The Bank will invest the remaining CAD 8,000 in a non-redeemable and non-renewable GIC account for a one-year term.

Every month for 12 months, an equal monthly installment of principal and interest will be paid from the GIC account into your savings or chequing account. Therefore, at the end of the 12 months, you will have a balance of CAD 0 in the GIC account.

SBI Canda GIC Program Details

Application Process SBI Canda GIC

You can apply for your Student GIC through one of two online channels provided by SBI Canada Bank: 

Download the YONO SBICA mobile application, post that 

1. Start your application by selecting "New Customer" and then "Open Student GIC".
2. Enter your email address, mobile number, and One Time Password (OTP) to confirm.
3. Read the directions carefully before entering your information and uploading a copy of your passport.
4. Go over and review the terms and conditions. Examine your application, then send it.
5. Congratulations!! The application is complete. Please remember your distinct client ID.
6. To transfer funds to your SGIC Investment account, download and save the Student GIC Wire Payment instructions.
7. Set your mobile PIN and login password.

Online Web Application - Student GIC Portal 

In case you do not have access to a mobile device, you can also choose to apply through their web application-     

1. Register on the portal and create your username and password.
2. Start by clicking "My Application" and inputting your information.

(Follow the directions and supply the necessary data.)

1. Upload a copy of the page(s) showing your passport information.

(Must be accompanied by your picture, signature, and address)

1. Send your application in.
2. Your application will be reviewed, and your SBIC Student GIC Investment will be sent along with the wire payment instructions and the account number.
3. You can transfer CAD10,000 (ten thousand Canadian dollars), excluding costs, to acquire your GIC with SBI Canada Bank and satisfy Immigration Canada's financial requirements for a student visa after you receive your Student GIC investment account number and wire transfer details. You can receive wire transfer assistance from your bank. Please be aware that you can also be charged by your bank, including the State Bank of India. These fees are your obligation to pay. 
4. There is a 150 CAD administrative fee levied by SBI Canada Bank which is non-refundable. 
5. To process your GIC request and gather the necessary administrative costs, SBI Canada Bank needs to be given CAD 10,150 in full, without any deductions. 
6. The money will be refunded to your bank account at the same bank where the initial wire transfer was started if SBI Canada Bank gets less than the requisite amount, and your GIC request won't be fulfilled.
7. You are liable for covering any money transfer expenses as well as any intermediary bank or correspondent bank fees incurred as a result of the decline if your money is returned.
8. Please be aware that money sent through third parties (such as parents, relatives, or friends) or through service providers like money exchange offices, money transfer services, money services companies, or any other third-party services will not be accepted.
9. The wire transfer must originate from a bank account maintained solely in your name or jointly with your parent(s) or spouse in your country of residence.
10. Please be aware that money will only be received if the beneficiary's (the recipient) name and the sender's name are the same. Your bank must make sure that Line 50 of the wire transfer/MT103 contains the name, account number, and complete address of the sender/student and Line 59 contains the name, account number, and full address of the beneficiary/student. If the applicant/student does not have a specific address in Canada, Line 59 must contain the student's complete home address. 
11. The wire transfer will not be accepted if there is any discrepancy. Your GIC request won't be executed; instead, the money will be returned to your bank account at the same bank as the initial wire transfer was made. This is done at your own risk and expense.
12. Please be aware that wire transfers internationally take roughly five business days. You are responsible for giving the funds enough time to transfer, taking into account the time zone difference between your nation and Canada as well as any weekends or holidays in both countries.
13. After obtaining the needed funds, SBI Canada Bank will issue a downloadable Investment Declaration Advice in about one business day.
14. The Investment Declaration Advice will include the interest rate on the issue date for a one-year Student Investment Account. You can access this information by logging into your mobile application (if you applied through the YONO SBICA app) or from the web application by using your credentials (if you applied on the online application). On their Interest Rates page, you can view their most recent interest rates for Student Investment Accounts. Every interest rate is occasionally subject to change.

The Investment Declaration Advice should be printed out and kept for your records. When applying, you must provide a copy of this letter for your student permit.

Activate the SBI Canada GIC Account After Reaching Canada

To activate your account and gain access to your funds after arriving in Canada, you must use their online KYC method (YONO SBICA), an SBI Canada Bank office, or a Canada Post station. Within 180 days of your arrival in Canada, you must complete this.

Through your mobile,

1. Once you've logged in, go to the My Accounts section of the YONO SBICA app and select Activate Account.
2. After carefully reading the directions, choose your account type.
3. Include information about your Social Insurance number and Canadian study permission.
4. Select Online KYC and enter your Canadian address.
5. Review the Online KYC Terms & Conditions, choose your ID, and click the document's image.

Please note that this feature is only applicable to students who have applied for Student GIC using the YONO SBICA Mobile application.

By visiting a Canada Post location 

Visit the closest SBIC branch (Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, Brampton, Vancouver, and Surrey) to open a personal account and activate the GIC by providing the documents:

1. Original Passport
2. Original Visa/Study permit issued by the Canadian High Commission
3. Original Letter of enrolment issued by your Canadian educational institution OR Student ID card issued by the Canadian Institution.
4. Printout of Investment Declaration Advice issued by SBIC.

By visiting the SBIC Branch 

Verify the credentials through Canada Post. Fill out the application “Activate My Account” through the Student GIC portal and update your KYC information. Also, present the below documents to the staff at a Canada Post location for verification:

1. Original Passport
2. DSS number and unique 2D barcode
3. Student GIC statement consisting of your Canadian mailing address (you can download the Canada Post ID verification instruction document and Student GIC Account Statement from the portal. Both documents are used and presented at Canada Post verification)

After the account activation is done, the bank will mail the welcome kit and debit card to your registered address in Canada and you will be ready to use the account with a debit card or internet banking /mobile banking.

In What Circumstances Can I Claim a GIC Investment Refund?

1. The Canadian High Commission has declined your VISA / Study permit application. 
2. The college to which you had applied has declined the admission. 
3. The college has approved the admission but you do not wish to enroll and have withdrawn before your arrival in Canada. 
4. You have decided not to apply for the Canadian Visa/Study permit after making the GIC investment. 
5. You do not wish to continue your studies in Canada and have withdrawn the enrolment. 
6. an image of your passport that reveals the revoked study permit you were issued by the Canadian visa office.
7. A self-attested copy of the passport page with the entrance date stamped by the immigration authorities at the airport is one kind of evidence that you have returned to your country.
    

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Refund Process for SBI Canada GIC Investment

To process the refund, you must print the refund application form from the portal, sign it, and submit a scanned copy along with the documents (as applicable) through the portal. The process may take about 6-8 weeks. The bank will deduct a money transfer fee of CAD 25.00 from the eligible refund amount. 

Documents Required For SBI Canada GIC investment Refund

1. A signed copy of the SBIC Student GIC Refund Application Form; and
2. Refusal letter issued by the Canada VISA office in your country; or
3. Refusal letter issued by a Canadian educational institution; or
4. Canceled VISA / canceled study permit issued by the Canadian VISA office; or
5. Canceled VISA / Study permit issued by the Canada VISA office in your country; or
6. Proof of your return to your country. A self-attested copy of the passport page of the entry date stamped by the Immigration authorities at the airport evidencing your return is required.

Conclusion 

GIC is one of the simplest ways to demonstrate financial stability when applying for a Canada Study Visa. Students will benefit from the yearly interest on the fixed sum as well as a monthly allowance for living expenses. A GIC account can be utilized to not only acquire a Canada Student Visa, but it can also be a prudent alternative for earning profit from a short-term investment while studying. You can also go through our blog on the Cost of Studying in Canada for a better understanding.

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Frequently Asked Questions