The Student Direct Stream, or SDS, is a fresh program that makes the process of applying for a Canadian study permit quick and a smooth process for certain international students.
At present, the SDS program is serving residents of four countries: India, China, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Canadian government plans to extend the program to residents in Africa, specifically countries like Kenya and Senegal after balancing the success of the program.
Currently Canada aims to process all study permit applications which are eligible for SDS processing in 20 calendar days.
Eligibility requirements for Canada’s SDS:
To apply for a Canadian study permit through the SDS program, considered student applicants must:
- Provide a copy of a letter of acceptance given by a Canadian Designated Learning Institution;
- Show a confirmation document for the applicant’s upfront medical exam;
- Prove that they have derived a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000
- Proof of paid tuition fees for the first year of study ; and
- Show evidence of completed studies at a Canadian curriculum high school or show results of a language test to demonstrate an IELTS score of 6 in English or NCLC 7 for French.
- Submit the application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
An approved application will be issued a letter of introduction, we call it a Point of Entry letter of introduction, and a temporary resident visa to immigrate Canada.
The letter of introduction, or Point of Entry (POE) letter, is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to prove the approval of a study permit and is presented to a visa officer when one arrives in Canada.
The citizens of one of the countries mentioned above cannot be residing in another country during the application of a study permit through the SDS program.
Advantages of applying to study with SDS:
IRCC says complete applications will be reviewed immediately after they are received, through SDS.
In case, an application does not meet the eligibility requirements for the SDS program, IRCC will perform the submission as all regular study permit applications. At present, processing times for Canadian study permit depend on the country of residence.