Student Direct Stream (SDS)
What is Canada’s Student Direct Stream?
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) makes studying in Canada even more appealing for residents of certain partner countries by offering expedited application processing. Typically, SDS applications are processed in less than a month, with a service standard of 20 calendar days.
Under this program, international students from the Philippines, China, India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Morocco, Senegal, Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago benefit from faster processing times. Students who can demonstrate that they have the necessary financial resources and language skills for academic success in Canada receive quicker processing.
Eligibility for Canada’s Student Direct Stream
To qualify for faster processing through the SDS, you must:
- Have a provincial attestation letter from the province or territory where you plan to study.
- Hold an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI).
- Reside outside of Canada when applying.
- Provide proof of payment for your first year’s tuition.
- Possess a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with a balance of CAD $20,635 or more.
- Undergo a medical exam before applying (if required).
- Submit your most recent secondary or post-secondary transcripts.
- Achieve the minimum score on one of the qualifying language tests.
How to Apply?
To get faster processing for your study permit through the SDS, you must apply online, as there is no paper application for this stream. Ensure you include all required documents with your application.
Before applying online, ensure you have the following:
- An instruction guide to fill out your forms.
- A scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents.
- A valid credit or debit card for payment.
Documents Required for Canada’s Student Direct Stream
When applying for an SDS study permit, you must include the following documents:
- A copy of your acceptance letter from a designated learning institution.
- A copy of your provincial attestation letter, unless exempt.
- Proof of a completed upfront medical exam.
- Proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least CAD $20,635.
- Your most recent secondary or post-secondary transcripts.
- Proof of payment for your first year’s tuition.
- Valid language test results demonstrating the required level of English or French.
A key requirement for applying through the Student Direct Stream is submitting a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) that shows an investment account balance of CAD $20,635 or higher.
Advantages of Applying Through the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
Faster Processing Times
One of the primary advantages of applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) is the expedited processing time. Applications are typically processed within 20 calendar days, making it a more efficient route for students eager to start their studies in Canada.
Higher Approval Rates
Applying through the SDS generally increases the likelihood of obtaining a study permit. However, even with this higher chance of success, it’s crucial for applicants to submit a strong application that clearly demonstrates their intention to study in Canada.
Disadvantages of the Student Direct Stream
Despite its benefits, there are some drawbacks to applying through the SDS:
- Higher Upfront Costs: Applicants must show proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $20,635 and evidence of payment for their first year of tuition. In contrast, regular study permit applications typically only require a bank statement showing sufficient funds.
- Language Tests: SDS applicants are required to submit valid language test results, which is not always a requirement for regular study permits.
Costs of Applying Under the Student Direct Stream
The government processing fee for an SDS application is CAD $150, the same as a regular study permit. Additionally, applicants may need to pay a biometrics fee of CAD $85 if applicable. Besides these fees, students must provide proof of payment for their first year of tuition and a GIC of CAD $20,635.