Student Direct Stream

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Student Direct Stream

Student Direct Stream

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an initiative created by the Canadian Government in 2018 to help process student visa applications faster and help welcome more international students from all over the world. Its main aim is to help support the growth of the economy as well as those seeking new opportunities to not only study in Canada but stay and gain valuable work experience, possibly even permanent residency.

You will also need to meet the following requirements:

  • have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
  • live outside of Canada when you apply have proof you
  • have paid your tuition for your first year of study eg. receipt from the DLI or your bank, an official letter from your DLI confirming payment
  • have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000
  • have a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
  • This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec
  • get a medical exam before you apply (if you need one)
  • get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one)
  • have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
  • have a language test result that shows either:
  • an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), or
  • a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, and listening)

When should I apply for SDS?

The sooner you apply the better. Canada is a popular destination among international students and spots are filling up fast. In the first quarter of 2021, IRCC issued 21,000 study permits alone, an impressive 44 percent increase, while the Post Graduate Worker Permit Program (PGWPP) saw a 160 percent increase, issuing 24,000 work permits to international graduate students in Canada.

 

How long does it take to get a Canada study permit under the SDS?

Most SDS study permits are processed in 20 calendar days, which could take longer if the IRCC is still waiting for your biometrics, supporting documents or there is an indication that you don’t meet all the requirements. It’s best to make sure that you have all the required documents at hand when starting the application process.