Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a new initiative introduced by IRCC to Canada provide expedited Study Permit processing for international students from select countries. The SDS Stream serves the residents of five countries: China, India, Pakistan, Philippines and Vietnam.
IRCC processes most SDS applications within 20 calendar days if the eligibility requirements are met.
Eligibility Criteria for Student Direct Stream (SDS)
To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must provide:
- Proof of an acceptance letter from a post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- proof that you’ve paid the tuition fees for your first year of study
- proof of obtaining a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000
- proof of an upfront medical exam before you apply
- proof of a police certificate before you apply (if you need one)
- proof of a language test result that shows a score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Canadian Language Bench (CLB) 7
Your spouse, common-law partner and dependent children may also be able to get faster processing on a Visitor Visa, Work Permit and a Study Permit. You must complete and submit their applications at the same time as your own.
Who isn’t eligible for the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
If you live anywhere other than 1 of the countries listed above (even if you’re a citizen of one of the countries above), you must apply through the regular study permit application process.
Note: If you live in another country (even if you’re a citizen of one of the countries above), or if you don’t meet the eligibility for faster processing, you may still be eligible for a study permit through the regular study permit application process.
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. Many banks offer GICs. GIC in an investment account or a student account that you can’t access until you arrive in Canada. You are paid an initial lump sum once you identify yourself upon arrival in Canada and
the remainder of the funds would be paid in monthly or bi-monthly installments over 10 to 12 months
Banks that offer GICs
- Bank of Beijing
- Bank of China
- Bank of Montreal
- Bank of Xian Co. Ltd.
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
- Habib Canadian Bank
- HSBC Bank of Canada
- ICICI Bank
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
- RBC Royal Bank
- SBI Canada Bank
- Scotiabank
Student permit is a temporary permit. It is therefore very important that the visa officer must be satisfied that the applicant will leave Canada after she/he completes the studies.
The refusal rate of student permits is high because it really is not easy to prove the intent to return. In addition to the supporting documents that the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) lists in their check list, there are several documents that you should include with your application to improve your chances to be approved.
How to get started?
Three easy steps to study in Canada as an International Student:
VisaOne Canada will help you to choose the right school, college or university and the right study program from the list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)
Once your program of study is finalized, we would complete the necessary school registration process in Canada
Upon issuance of official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from educational institution in Canada, we would handle your Study Permit application process
Simply fill out our online assessment form or contact us if you want to apply through Student Direct Stream (SDS)