IMPORTANT: If you have been in Canada for less than 14 days, you must ensure that you follow the requirements of the Public Health Agency of Canada to self-isolate. Self-isolation requires that you stay at home unless directed to seek medical care. If you have questions about your banking, please do not visit a branch. Instead, we ask that you contact us digitally or by phone until your period of self-isolation is complete.

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s website is the most up-to-date and reliable source of information on COVID-19 in Canada.

The safety and security of customers and employees is our top priority. To help you stay informed, we have included answers to commonly asked questions and other digital banking information.

As every situation is different, we are committed to trying to work with all our customers on a case-by-case basis to help understand, and hopefully alleviate, financial hardships you may be experiencing as a result of COVID-19. Please visit our COVID-19 information page to learn about our financial relief measures and FAQs.

If you recently landed within 14 days and have not opened your account, but require access to your funds in your Student GIC or International Account, please email us at scotiabankstartright@scotiabank.com.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada is taking precautionary measures that may affect your plans. For the most up-to-date information, please read the special measures by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help certain temporary and permanent residents and applicants, including foreign workers and international students, affected by COVID19.

Yes. If you are applying for a study permit and need to show proof of funds as part of the requirements of Study Direct Stream (SDS) Program, we continue to accept Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) applications. We offer the ability to change your arrival date as needed.

For more information on Scotiabank’s StartRight Program, created for International Students, Foreign Workers, and Canadian Permanent Residents who have been in the country for less than three years, click, please see here.

You can complete the Refund Application online – available here.

You will be required to provide details such as your Scotiabank Investment account number, your wire return bank account details and, if applicable, your original case number and the reason you are requesting a refund.

Scotiabank will confirm your Study Permit decline or cancellation with the Canadian Visa Authorities in your home country. Once confirmed, Scotiabank will refund the outstanding principal plus any accumulated interest. After we wire the funds to your bank in your home country, we will provide you a confirmation by secure email which will include your ICN (Internal Control Number). You can use this ICN to follow-up on the status of your wire transfer with your bank in your home country if needed.

NOTE: Scotiabank will only send your refund to a deposit bank account that is in your home country and in your name as it appears on your Scotiabank investment account. International wire transfer may take up to five (5) business days to reach your account.

Please note:

• The refund may take up to four (4) weeks from the date the correctly completed Refund Application is received at Scotiabank, Canada. If there are any corrections required, the refund will be delayed.
• Any processing and/or administration fees will not be refunded.
• Additional fees may be charged by the intermediary banks during the refund. It is the applicant’s responsibility to cover all additional refund fees.

Yes, you can use your existing Investment Directions confirmation for a new Study Permit Application. The Canadian Visa Authorities in your home country will validate the Investment Directions with Scotiabank directly.

For more information on Scotiabank’s StartRight Program, created for International Students, Foreign Workers, and Canadian Permanent Residents who have been in the country for less than three years, click, please see here.

Yes, you may use the same Scotia Investment Account Number. In order to do so, send your new offer letter/ acceptance letter including your new date of arrival to Scotiabank. Your email to Scotiabank must be REPLY only to the last message received in your Scotiabank Secure Email Service mail box.

The subject line of your email must state:
Scotiabank Student GIC Program – Your Full Name (Given/First and Surname/Last) – Enrolment Update – School Change.

For more FAQs and details related to the Scotiabank GIC Program, please see here.

To request an update to your personal information, email Scotiabank with a copy of your passport pages (including the photograph page) as well as any applicable supporting documents (specific to your request).

Your email to Scotiabank must be REPLY only to the last message received from the Scotiabank Secure Email Service mailbox.

The subject line of your email must state: Scotiabank Student GIC Program – Your Full Name (Given/First and Surname/ Last) – Update.

Your request will be processed within five (5) business days from the date we receive it. The auto response is confirmation that we have received your request for processing – no further confirmations will be sent to you. Should we require further information we will contact you. If you wish to update your date of arrival to Canada, the name of your school, or email address only, you may contact our Scotiabank Student GIC Program Customer Service department for assistance by collect call at: 416-288-4119. (Note: Dialing Direct – Long distance charges will apply if dialing direct (using international dialing code 001)). Our representatives are available to speak with you Monday to Friday, 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time in Canada (excluding Canadian Public Holidays). Your request will be processed within 24 hours, and you will receive a confirmation to your secure email that your information has been updated.

For more FAQs and details related to the Scotiabank GIC Program, please see here.

For more information on Scotiabank’s StartRight Program, created for Canadian Permanent residents from 0–5 years in Canada, International Students and Foreign Workers, please see here.