BANKING FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA

Student GIC and Canadian banking, before you arrive.

Start the BMO International Student GIC journey or open an eligible pre-arrival chequing account online, then complete identity verification and activation at a BMO branch in Canada.

Start Student GIC → Open Chequing Account →

CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE

Two pre-arrival options. One branch visit after arrival.

BMO provides the banking products, reviews applications, issues transfer instructions and completes account activation.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Student GIC

For eligible international students who require a Guaranteed Investment Certificate for the Canadian study-permit process.

✓ Apply online before travelling

✓ Receive funding instructions from BMO

✓ Receive the GIC certificate after completing the required transfer

✓ Complete activation at a BMO branch in Canada

Start Student GIC

EVERYDAY BANKING

Pre-arrival chequing account

Organise your Canadian banking before arrival and visit your selected BMO branch to activate the account, receive your debit card and access additional banking options.

✓ Online application for eligible residents
✓ Account and international wire instructions from BMO
✓ Transfer Canadian dollars before arrival
✓ Branch activation, debit card and digital banking access

Open Chequing Account

More value after your BMO branch visit.

After identity verification and account activation, eligible students and newcomers can explore BMO banking benefits suited to their status in Canada.

No monthly student Plan fees

While enrolled and for up to 12 months after graduation.

Unlimited everyday banking

Unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfer transactions with the eligible student Performance Plan.

Credit-card application

Eligible newcomers may apply without Canadian credit history, subject to credit approval.

Debit and digital banking

Receive your debit card and access online and mobile banking after activation.

START ON THIS WEBSITE

Tell us which BMO journey you need.

Complete the relevant eligibility and application-support form below. Your information will be sent to the Aether Connect website administrators for follow-up.

🎓

Student GIC application support

For international students who need a GIC as part of their Canadian study-permit preparation.

First name as shown on passport *

Last name as shown on passport *

Email address *

Phone number with country code *

Country of residence *

Are you 14 years of age or older? *

Are you applying for yourself? *

Expected arrival date in Canada *

Canadian school or institution *

Do you have a Canadian admission letter? *

Do you have a valid passport? *

Province or territory where you plan to study *

City in Canada

Have you previously held a BMO account or banking product? *

Partner or referral code

Consent *

Security verification *

Verify you are human

CLOUDFLARE Privacy · Help

Security: Security: Do not enter passport numbers, tax identification numbers, banking passwords, PINs, one-time codes or upload identity documents in this form. BMO provides the banking product and makes the final application decision.

💳

Pre-arrival chequing application support

For eligible students, foreign workers and permanent residents preparing their Canadian everyday banking.

First name as shown on passport *

Last name as shown on passport *

Email address *

Phone number with country code *

Country of residence *

Current or planned Canadian status *

Are you 14 years of age or older? *

Are you applying for yourself? *

Expected arrival date in Canada

Are you already in Canada? *

Arrival date in Canada, if already landed

Do you have a valid passport? *

Do you have your Canadian visa or immigration document? *

Province or territory where you plan to live *

City in Canada

Have you previously held a BMO account or banking product? *

Can you remit at least CAD 500 from a bank account in your eligible country? *

Partner or referral code

Consent *

Security verification *

Verify you are human

CLOUDFLARE Privacy · Help

WHO CAN APPLY

Online pre-arrival eligibility.

Applicants must be at least 14, apply for themselves, plan to arrive in Canada within 12 months and live in an eligible applicant country.

🇮🇳 India

🇨🇳 China

🇻🇳 Vietnam

🇵🇭 Philippines

🇵🇰 Pakistan

🇳🇬 Nigeria

🇧🇩 Bangladesh

🇧🇷 Brazil

🇨🇴 Colombia

🇲🇽 Mexico

🇰🇷 South Korea

🌐 Other Eligible Countries

What happens at the BMO branch?

Four quick steps after your arrival in Canada.

STEP 01

Book an appointment

Schedule a visit at any BMO branch in Canada upon arrival.

STEP 02

Provide documents

Present original passport, study/work permit & landing paper.

STEP 03

Receive debit & credit card

Get your BMO debit card and unlock credit card eligibility.

STEP 04

Access your funds

Complete identity verification and use your money freely.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Before you apply.

Use the official BMO application route that matches your purpose.

Prepare your Canadian banking before arrival.

Our arrival specialists will guide your pre-arrival BMO application smoothly.

Apply Now → Contact Support