I emailed them and got this reply . ( I think its applicable if you are living in Dubai ) . Yes Indian can open online directly but I am not one of them
I would like to thank you for choosing Scotiabank. Scotiabank’s StartRight Program for Newcomers to Canada was created specifically to cater to the financial needs of Newcomers arriving in Canada. Under the Program, persons already in Canada for less than 3 years, or those that have been approved to land but are yet to arrive, can avail of an eligible chequing bank account with $100 cash offer deposited into the account 120 days after its opening (subject to change), a small Safety Deposit Box subject to availability free for 1 year, credit card to build Canadian credit history and many other facilities as detailed on our website (http://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/0,,4302,00.html).
The StartRight Program bank account is established at a Scotiabank branch in Canada and remains “frozen” until you arrive in Canada, complete the KYC (Know Your Customers) requirements and activate the account. Pre-arrival, Scotiabank waives account fees for a maximum of six months since the account is not being transacted upon (You will have up to 6 months, from the date of your application, to activate your Scotiabank account in Canada for free). Once the customer arrives in Canada and activates their account, monthly account fees commence. Thereafter you may operate the account using internet, mobile or other banking channels. The account is NOT managed or maintained in Dubai.
We are pleased to advise that as a result of our special arrangement with the Scotiabank DIFC office in Dubai, they will collect your account Referral Form to open a StartRight Program account and forward the documentation for processing by Scotiabank in Canada.
In this connection, please complete the attached Appointment request form and contact Ms. Sherma Genove at the Scotiabank DIFC office (Email: dubai.reception@scotiabank.com; Tel Nos: +9714 3711700) to fix an appointment (Thursdays only). Scotiabank DIFC office address is:
The Bank of Nova Scotia, Dubai Branch,
302, Precinct Building 03,
Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai
You are also requested to:
1. Complete the attached Referral Form (to be signed by the applicants at the Scotiabank DIFC office)
2. Produce the originals and a photocopy each of the supporting documents (valid Passport, landing visa documents, PR CARD (If you are a landed immigrant) etc, as detailed in the Referral Form)
3. Sign and provide the attached Declaration Under StartRight Program
4. Read Attachment A for information about the account opening process including receiving secure emails from Scotiabank.
5. If you have applied for a credit card read Attachment B for card application disclosures.
If you are looking to open a joint account, please ensure both applicants are present at the Scotiabank branch in Canada to activate the account upon landing. Alternately, the account may initially be opened in the name of the Principal visa applicant and later converted to a joint account.
Please note: We require 2 weeks to open the account from the date we receive your Application form here in Canada.
We trust this helps and look forward to assisting you further as you move to Canada! Should you require any additional details/clarifications please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.
Best wishes and regards
Lalit Jagasia | Associate Manager, India, South Asia and the Philippines Markets
_________________________________________________________
Scotiabank, Multicultural Banking
44 King Street West,15th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1H1
T: 416-933-2342 F: 416-866-5466
lalit.jagasia@scotiabank.com
scotiabank.com/startright
Scotiabank is a business name used by The Bank of Nova Scotia
