Student Direct Stream in Canada

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program introduced by the Canadian government to fasten the visa application process for students. Since obtaining a visa for studying abroad is typically time-consuming and can take several months, it's advisable to apply as soon as you receive a university offer letter to prevent delays.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the SDS program, including the process, eligibility criteria, and more, to help you reach your academic goals and dreams faster.

What is SDS?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced an SDS (Student Direct Stream) program where Indian students applying to Canadian universities and colleges can now take advantage of faster visa processing. With the SDS program, eligible Indian students can receive their visas more smoothly and efficiently within 4-6 weeks, unlike the regular, lengthy process that takes 2-3 months. Submitting your biometrics and fulfilling eligibility requirements, your SDS Canada application can be processed within 20 calendar days. SDS requires less financial documentation and the application fee for the SDS Canada visa starts from C$150.

Before applying for a study permit in Canada, it's important to understand the terms Designated Learning Institution and Guaranteed Investment Certificate, which are explained below.

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school that has been authorized by the provincial or territorial government to admit international students. All Canadian primary and secondary schools are DLIs, though there are a few exceptions. Applicants who want to study at the post-secondary school in Canada should check if their chosen institution is on the list of Canadian DLIs. You need an acceptance letter from a DLI in order to apply for a study permit.

If you plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing your studies, ensure that the institution comes under DLI.

 To verify if your institution is a DLI, follow these steps:

• Visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
• Select the province or territory where your institution is located.
• Search for your institution by name, city, and other details.
• Note the DLI number under the "Details of Intention to Study in Canada" section of your study permit application.

If your school's DLI status is removed while you're studying, you may continue your studies until your permit expires. However, in certain cases, you may need to apply to a new DLI.

What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a Canadian investment, similar to a term deposit, offering a secure investment option with a guaranteed rate of return and interest over a fixed period. To apply for a study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), it is mandatory to obtain a GIC valued at CAD 20,635 or the amount specified by Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the province of your arrival.

Even for students applying for a study permit outside the SDS program, such as those enrolled in university programs, a GIC can be used as proof of funds to cover living expenses for the first year of their stay in Canada.

For SDS applicants, the GIC must be held in an investment or student account and will be released upon their arrival in Canada.

The financial institute that offers GIC are

Bank	E-mail/website	Toll-free number
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce	[email protected]	(800) 663-4575
ICICI Bank of Canada	[email protected]	1-888-ICICI-CA (1-888-424-2422)
National Bank of Canada	https://www.nbc.ca/	1-888-835-6281
Royal Bank of Canada	www.rbcroyalbank.com	1-800-769-2511
SBI Canada Bank	https://applyonline.sbicanada.com	1-866-724-2669
Habib Canadian Bank	[email protected]	#ERROR!

How to Apply for a Study Permit through SDS?

For a study permit through SDS, you must apply online through the IRCC portal, as the Student Direct Stream does not accept paper applications. However, paper applications are considered under regular processing. Students must include a PAL/TAL from the province or territory where they plan to study as part of their study permit application. Ensure that all necessary documents are submitted with your application. Additionally, don’t forget to pay the biometrics fee when submitting your online application to speed up the process.

Study Permit Application Process After Submission

After submitting your study permit application online, the following steps are taken:

• Give your biometrics and fingerprints in person: A letter will be sent providing the details of where to submit your biometrics and fingerprints once the application is submitted along with the fee payment.
• Processing study permit application: Study permit is processed after the biometrics is done. If students meet the eligibility, the study permit application is processed within 20 calendar days.
• Approval of application: When the study permit application is approved, a letter of introduction will be received. The Letter of Introduction (LOI) is an approval letter that permits the applicant to study in Canada. Upon arrival, the applicant must present the LOI to the border services officer, who will then issue the study permit.

Your study permit is typically valid until the completion of your program. However, if your passport expires before your program ends, your permit will only be valid until the passport's expiration date. In such cases, you will need to apply for a study permit extension once you obtain a new passport.

Canada Student Direct Stream: Eligible Countries

In order to be eligible for faster processing via the Student Direct Stream (SDS), one must be legally residing in any 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

Eligibility Criteria for SDS

The following eligibility criteria should be met to apply for a study permit via SDS.

• A minimum score of 6.0 in each skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) on the IELTS (either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training) is required.
• Letter of Acceptance from Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Proof of payment for the applicant’s first-year tuition fee.
• Proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate, of value at CAD 20,635.

Who is not eligible for student direct stream?

If you reside outside of the above-listed eligible countries (even if you hold citizenship in one of them), you must apply through the regular study permit process. Alternatively, if you don't meet the criteria for faster processing, you can still be eligible to apply through the regular study permit application process.

Mandatory documents for SDS Canada Visa Application

The documents that have to be submitted while applying for a study permit via SDS.

• Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Proof of payment for your first year of tuition
• Proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) payment (certificate or attestation letter)
• A provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) to apply for a study permit.
• IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) or TEF scorecard.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• Copy of your medical examination from an authorized panel of doctors
• Relevant academic background with all necessary academic documents
• An additional requirement of CAQ for students planning to study in Quebec

Difference between Student Direct Stream VS Regular Stream

The key difference is that the Canada student visa application process is faster under the SDS, while the Regular Stream can take several months and involves a lengthier procedure. Take a look at the tabular column below to know the difference in detail.

Key differences	Student Direct Stream	Regular Stream
Visa Processing	Visa processed within 20 calendar days	The visa process can take around 2-6 weeks
Eligibility	Students residing in eligible countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam can apply	Students from all countries all eligible to apply
Documents	The mandatory documents listed are sufficient to apply for SDS	Requires more documentation process
How to apply	Should be applied only through the Online	The application can be submitted offline
Process	Brief and faster application process	Lengthy and complicated process
Success rate	73%	40%

FAQ

1.  What is a student direct stream?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a fast-tracked study permit process provided by Immigration and Citizenship (IC) for international students who meet specific eligibility criteria.

2. Who is eligible for SDS?

Students who live in an eligible country, have a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each skill, possess a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and provide proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) valued at CAD 20,635, qualify for the SDS program.

3. Which is better, SDS or non-SDS?

A key advantage of the SDS program is its faster visa processing time. SDS applicants can have their visa applications processed within 20 days, while the Non-SDS process typically takes much longer.

4. How much is the GIC fee?

The updated GIC amount for international students is now CAD 20,635 (approximately INR 12,75,878). Previously, the required GIC amount for Canada was CAD 10,000.

5. Can I apply for SDS without IELTS?

No. IELTS is crucial for SDS as it provides evidence of a student's English language proficiency. The Canadian government mandates that international students demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English, which is the primary language of instruction at most Canadian universities and colleges.