Updates Student Direct Stream 2023

19 August, 2021

All You Need to Know About the Student Direct Stream in Canada

Canada is enhancing the accessibility for international students from select partner countries to study in Canada, through a program named Student Direct Stream (SDS).

Keep reading to find out if you meet the criteria to apply for a Canadian study permit through SDS Canada.

What is Student Direct Stream

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) of Canada is a program created to accelerate study permit applications for international students originating from 14 nations. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to complete the processing of applications from individuals who apply through this program within 20 days.

Am I eligible to apply for the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?

To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must:

1. be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda
Brazil
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
India
Morocco
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Senegal
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Vietnam

2. have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution

3. live outside of Canada when you apply

4. have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study

5. have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000

6. If you’re applying to study in Quebec, you must have an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration

7. get a medical exam before you apply

8. get a police certificate before you apply

9. have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)

10. have graduation from a Canadian curriculum high school or a language test showing either:

Score of at least 6 in each category of the IELTS
Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens score of at least 7 for French

Watch our video and learn more about the SDS:

What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?

confirm that you bought a GIC by giving you 1 of the following:
- a letter of attestation
- a GIC certificate
- an Investment Directions Confirmation or
- an Investment Balance Confirmation

In addition to that, it is necessary to hold the GIC in an investment account or a student account that you can’t access until you arrive in Canada. As soon as you step into Canada, the funds will be released to you by providing:

an initial lump sum once you identify yourself upon arrival in Canada
the remainder of the funds in monthly or bi-monthly installments over 10 to 12 months

If your bank or GIC doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to apply through the Student Direct Stream.

Obtain a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a financial institution listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website. It's essential to ensure that the chosen financial institution provides GICs and adheres to the Student Direct Stream requirements.

Do I need medical exams and police certificates?

Depending on your location of application, you might be required to undergo a medical examination or obtain a police certificate. For expedited processing via the Student Direct Stream, it's necessary to include these documents with your application if they are needed. Failure to do so will result in standard processing times for your application, without any acceleration.

You may need to get a medical exam if:

you lived or travelled in certain countries or territories for 6 or more months in the year before you come to Canada, or
you plan on studying or working in:
- the health field
- primary or secondary education, or
- child or elder care

To get a medical exam, you must see a doctor that has been approved by IRCC.

Can my family come with me through SDS Canada?

Absolutely. When you utilize SDS Canada for your application, your spouse, partner, and dependent children have the opportunity to accompany you!

Moreover, they might also qualify for accelerated processing durations while submitting applications for work permits, study permits, or visitor visas.

It's imperative that all family members' applications are filled out and submitted simultaneously. During the online application process, remember to indicate that you are accompanied by family members joining you in Canada. This will allow you to complete their applications concurrently with yours.

If you’re interested in studying in Canada and applying for the Student Direct Stream, we can help you! Our team is fully prepared to assist you in comprehending the process and addressing any inquiries you may have along the way.