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International students walking on a Canadian university campus in autumn

Canada GIC Amount 2026: A Guide for International Students

The GIC, or Guaranteed Investment Certificate, is a common way for international students to prove they have enough money to support themselves while studying in Canada. To apply for a study permit, students need to show they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses, though the exact GIC amount for 2026 is not specified. International students can apply for a study permit online through the IRCC website or by submitting a paper application. A valid passport, proof of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution, and proof of funds are all required.

introduction to the canada gic amount

International students need to demonstrate they have enough financial resources to support themselves during their studies in Canada. The GIC is a popular option for meeting this requirement because it provides a secure investment. I've found that many students prefer the GIC because it's a straightforward way to prove they have the necessary funds.

applying for a study permit in canada

To apply for a study permit, international students should start by checking if they need one on the IRCC website. Next, they should choose a Designated Learning Institution that is authorized to host international students - there's a list of these institutions on our designated learning institutions page. After being accepted to an institution, students need to gather all the necessary documents, including a valid passport and proof of acceptance. They can then submit their application for a study permit through the IRCC website or by mail.

requirements for a study permit

International students must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a study permit. These include having a valid passport, being accepted by a Designated Learning Institution, and proving they have enough money to support themselves during their studies. Students must also demonstrate that they plan to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay and that they are not a risk to the health or safety of Canadians. For example, students may need to provide a police certificate or proof of health insurance.

proof of funds

There are several ways international students can provide proof of funds, including a GIC, a bank statement, a scholarship or award letter, or a loan document. The specific requirements may vary depending on the individual's circumstances and the institution they are applying to. Students should check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information or consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.

working while studying

International students who are studying in Canada may be eligible to work part-time during their studies. The rules and regulations surrounding work permits can be complex, so students should visit our working while studying page for more information.

extending a study permit

If an international student needs to extend their study permit, they can apply for an extension through the IRCC website or by mail. The process and requirements for extending a study permit are explained on our how to extend a study permit page. It's essential for students to plan ahead and apply for an extension before their current permit expires.

Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content. canada.ca

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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