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Canada Immigration - Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

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Accordingly your visa application may be processed within 20 calendar days. However, some applications may take longer.

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To get faster processing, you must:

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  • give your biometrics as soon as possible

  • meet all the eligibility requirements

quick facts

  • Processing time: 20 calendar days

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  • Language test requirements: CLB 6 or higher.

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  • Minimum GCI: C$10000.

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  • Minimum length of course to apply for PGWP: 8 months from a DLI.

What is the Student Direct Stream for Canada? 

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Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

Accordingly your visa application may be processed within 20 calendar days. However, some applications may take longer.

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To get faster processing, you must:

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  • Give your biometrics as soon as possible

  • Meet all the eligibility requirements

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Student Direct Stream (SDS) Participating Countries:

  • India

  • China

  • The Philippines

  • Pakistan

  • Vietnam

  • Morocco

  • Senegal

  • Brazil

  • Colombia

  • Peru

  • Antigua and Barbuda

  • Costa Rica

  • Trinidad and Tobago

  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a Study Permit for Canada?

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The SDS program currently serves residents of 14 countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.

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Canada aims to process all study permit applications eligible for SDS processing in 20 calendar days.

 

To submit an application for a Canadian study permit through the SDS program, prospective student applicants must:

  • provide an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada

  • provide the applicant’s upfront medical exam report

  • provide their Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000

  • provide proof of payment of tuition fees for the first year of study

  • provide language test results - Academic (completed within the last 2 years of the SDS application) with an IELTS score of 6 in English or NCLC 7 for French. You do not have to provide language test results if you recently graduated from a Canadian high school.

 

In the event that your application is accepted, you will be given a letter of introduction, also known formally as a Point of Entry letter of introduction, and a temporary resident visa to enter Canada.

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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible for issuing the letter of introduction, also known as the Point of Entry (POE) letter. This document serves as proof of approval for a study permit and must be shown to a visa officer upon arrival in Canada.

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When applying for a study permit under the SDS program, citizens of any of the countries listed above cannot be residing in another country at the time the application is being submitted.

What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?

 

A guaranteed investment certificate, or GIC, is a type of investment available in Canada that offers a predetermined rate of return for a specified amount of time. GICs are offered by a variety of banks. The bank that issues you the GIC is required to do the following:

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  • 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

  • hold the GIC in an investment account or a student account that you can’t access until you arrive in Canada

  • confirm your identity before they release any funds to you

 

You will start receiving payments from your GIC as soon as you step foot in Canada. The remaining balance will be distributed to you over the next ten to twelve months in instalments.

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You will not be able to submit an application through the Student Direct Stream if your bank or GIC does not fulfil these requirements.

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You can get a GIC from a financial institution listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website. Make sure the financial institution you choose offers a GIC and meets the criteria for the Student Direct Stream.

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Need help in applying for a Study Permit for Canada? Hire an authorized paid representative.

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IMMERGITY Immigration Consultant are very experienced with the application process and can help you navigate the system. We will also provide valuable insights and tips on how to increase your chances of success. Get in touch now.

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If you're thinking of hiring a representative, be sure to check that they're authorized by IRCC. You can verify our credentials by clicking here.

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Hiring a representative is not required, but it can be helpful, especially if you're not familiar with the application process. If you decide to hire a representative, be sure to choose someone who you trust and who you feel comfortable working with.

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