Paying Canadian tuition from Sri Lanka: TIN, bank documents and wire timing

Can you send tuition money from Sri Lanka?

Yes. In April 2020, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) confirmed that family members in Sri Lanka can send money to students abroad. This covers university, tuition or course fees, living expenses and related fees. The CBSL said its foreign exchange measures do not restrict payments for current transactions, including overseas education.

The money must go through an Authorized Dealer (AD) in foreign exchange. That means a licensed commercial bank, or a licensed specialized bank with permission.

The Section 22 Order in force from June 20, 2026 limits some capital transfers, such as emigrant transfers and some foreign currency account transfers. It does not list education payments. Check the CBSL Department of Foreign Exchange (DFE) site for changes.

What documents will the bank ask for?

The CBSL says the sender must give "relevant documentary evidence as usually required by ADs". It does not publish one fixed list. Banks often ask for documents such as:

• the letter of acceptance or admission from the Canadian school;
• the school's invoice or fee statement, with its bank details;
• the student's passport;
• the sender's National Identity Card (NIC), and proof of relationship if a parent pays;
• a completed application form for the outward remittance.

Ask your bank for its exact list before the deadline. Bring originals and copies.

Do you need a TIN to pay tuition?

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) says that from January 1, 2024, individuals aged 18 or over must register and get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The IRD also requires a TIN certificate for some transactions. This list has changed, so check the current list on the IRD website.

We did not find a CBSL or IRD rule that says a TIN is required to remit tuition. Some banks may still ask for it as part of their own checks. A parent who does not yet have a TIN can register on the IRD website before going to the bank.

Which payment route should you use?

Timing. Wire times depend on the bank and any intermediary banks. We could not confirm a standard number of days from a Sri Lankan regulator. Send at least one to two weeks before the deadline, and ask the bank for the SWIFT confirmation (MT103) in case the school cannot find your payment.

Compare platforms in Flywire vs Convera vs PayMyTuition vs bank wire.

Can Sri Lankan students get a Student GIC?

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is one way to show living funds to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of October 10, 2026:

• Scotiabank's Student GIC page does not list Sri Lanka among its eligible countries.
• RBC's student GIC page lists nine countries, and Sri Lanka is not one of them.

Other banks have their own country lists. GIC is also not required: IRCC accepts bank statements for the past 6 months, an education loan, or proof you paid first-year tuition and housing. See Student GIC in Canada and study permit proof of funds.

Step by step: paying your first tuition deposit

1. Read the school's payment page. Note the accepted methods, the bank details, the currency (usually CAD) and the deadline.
2. Ask your bank for its list. Ask which documents it needs for an education remittance, its fee, and its cut-off time.
3. Prepare the payer's documents. If a parent pays, bring their NIC, proof of relationship and, if the bank asks, their TIN.
4. Send the payment. Add the student's name and student ID in the payment reference. Ask if you can pay all charges, so the school receives the full amount.
5. Keep proof. Save the bank advice and the SWIFT confirmation. Email them to the school if the payment does not appear within a week or two.
6. Get the receipt. Download the school's official receipt for your study permit application.

For general advice for all countries, see how to pay tuition from abroad.

Mistakes to avoid

• Paying an agent instead of the school. Pay only the school or the platform linked from the school's website. See tuition payment scams.
• Using informal channels. Sending money outside the banking system (for example, through hawala-style arrangements) is outside the rules and gives you no proof for IRCC.
• Missing receipts. Keep the bank advice and the school's receipt. IRCC may ask for proof of payment.
• Ignoring exchange rates. Ask the bank for the rate it will use, and compare it with the mid-market rate.
• Sending the wrong currency. Canadian schools bill in Canadian dollars. If you send US dollars, the receiving bank converts them, often at a poor rate, and the school may record a shortfall. Ask your bank if it can send CAD.

For money you move later, after you get PR, see bringing money from Sri Lanka.

Common questions

Sources

• CBSL: Remittance of funds to Sri Lankans abroad to pursue studies (April 20, 2020)
• Gazette 2493/38: Order under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act (June 18, 2026)
• IRD: Notice on TIN registration for individuals aged 18+ (December 2023)
• CBSL: Department of Foreign Exchange
• IRCC: Study permit, proof of financial support
• Scotiabank: Student GIC Program
• RBC: International Student GIC Program

Checked against these sources on October 10, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.