Through Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS), international students from 14 countries can now expedite their applications for a Canada study permit and have them processed within 20 days.
The 14 countries eligible for Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) include:
- Antigua and Barbuda;
- Brazil;
- China;
- Colombia;
- Costa Rica;
- India;
- Morrocco;
- Pakistan;
- Peru;
- Philippines;
- Senegal;
- Trinidad and Tobago;
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and
- Vietnam.
Note, however, that citizens of any of the above countries cannot be residents of another country at the time of their application through the SDS program.
Citizens of the above countries who currently reside in another country will not be able to benefit from SDS program benefits when applying for their study permit.
Applying for Canada study permit through the SDS
The process of applying for a study permit through the SDS is similar to the process for applying for a non-SDS study permit.
Applicants must:
- Provide a copy of a letter of acceptance to a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is a school approved by the provincial or territorial government to host international students;
- Proof of valid language test results completed within 2 years of the date of application, showing either: an IELTS score of 6 or higher in each language skill; or a TEF score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 for each language ability.
- Present proof of completion of the applicant’s upfront medical exam;
- Prove that they have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $ 10,000. The GIC is a document issued by a bank or financial institution to prove investment of money into an assett or purchase. Eligible GICs are issued from financial institutions listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website;
- Prove that the tuition fees for the first year of study have already been paid;
- Most recent secondary or post-secondary educational transcript.
- Submit the application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
In addition to these, there are additional documents that candidates will need to send with their application, including (but not limited to):
- Application for Study Permit made outside of Canada form; and
- Schedule 1 – Application for a Temporary Resident Visa form.
Successful applicants under the SDS program will receive a Port of Entry letter of introduction, and a Canadian study permit (temporary resident visa) to enter and study in Canada.
With a valid study permit, students enrolled full-time, in an eligible program (at least 6 months in duration and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate) from a DLI can work in Canada.
