Is a GIC still required as proof of funds for a study permit?

A GIC is no longer a mandatory document for a special fast-track stream. It can still form part of your financial evidence, together with bank funds, proof of tuition paid, an education loan, scholarship evidence or family-support documents. Buying a GIC does not speed up processing or automatically satisfy the financial requirement.

What to verify

• Prerequisites, minimum grades and language scores are eligibility thresholds, not guaranteed admission.
• Track separate deadlines for applications, documents, portfolios, scholarships, accepting an offer and deposits.
• Obtain written confirmation of conditional-offer terms, transfer credits, co-op arrangements, refunds and deferrals.
• Compare program content, total cost, completion time, employment support and fit with your longer-term plan.

Planning advice

Create a school-by-school comparison and confirm key conditions from official admissions pages or written correspondence. Recheck the program, campus, start date and immigration eligibility before paying.