Apply for a Study Permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS)

April 13, 2024

Ishita Soni

Apply for a study permit through the Student Direct Stream

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program is an initiative launched by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aimed at expediting the visa process for international students. The primary goal of SDS is to make the visa application process faster, more efficient, and convenient for eligible students applying to study in Canada.

Under the SDS program, eligible applicants can expect to receive their visas within a shorter timeframe, typically between 4 to 6 weeks, in contrast to the regular processing times. This accelerated processing time can greatly benefit students who are eager to start their studies in Canada without unnecessary delays.

Overall, SDS streamlines the visa application process for international students, offering them a faster and more efficient pathway to pursue their education in Canada.

Who Is Eligible for the Student Direct Stream?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program offers faster study permit processing for legal residents of specific countries who meet certain eligibility criteria. If you’re a legal resident of one of the 14 listed countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, The Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam), you may qualify for expedited processing.

To be eligible for the SDS program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study.
• Possess an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Reside outside of Canada when you apply for the study permit.
• Provide proof of payment for the first year of tuition.
• Hold a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of C$20,635.
• Furnish your most recent secondary or post-secondary transcripts.
• Present language test results demonstrating sufficient proficiency.

Applying for a Study Permit through SDS? Here’s What You’ll Need.

• Provincial Attestation Letters
• Proof of First-Year Tuition Payment
• Medical Exam
• Police Certificate
• Language Test Results
• Bringing Spouses, Common-Law Partners and Dependent Children

Who Isn’t Eligible for the Student Direct Stream?

If you’re not in a listed country for the fast-track process, you must apply through the regular channel. However, if you’re from a listed country but reside elsewhere, the fast-track option is unavailable. In such cases, or if you’re ineligible for the fast process, you can still apply for a study permit through the standard procedure. Alternatively,

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your study permit application through the Student Direct Stream, you’ll then have to book an appointment to provide your biometrics. Subsequently, the visa office can begin processing your application.

What Happens When My Application Is Approved?

If your application is approved, you’ll receive:

• A letter of introduction, which you’ll present to a border officer upon arriving in Canada
• An eTA or visitor visa, depending on your requirements

Congratulations! With the confirmation of an approved study permit, you’re now one step closer to pursuing your dream of studying abroad in Canada!

Get in touch with SPS Canada

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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