Are you an international student looking to pursue your higher education in Canada? The Canada Student Direct Stream (SDS) program might be the key to making your dream a reality. This streamlined pathway offers faster processing times and is designed to make studying in Canada more accessible for eligible students.
What is the Canada Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
The Canada Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a special initiative by the Government of Canada aimed at expediting the study permit application process for international students from select countries. The program is designed to simplify and speed up the application process, allowing students to receive their study permits faster, often within 20 calendar days if all requirements are met.
Eligibility Criteria for SDS
To qualify for the SDS program, applicants must meet specific criteria:
Country of Citizenship: SDS is available to students from certain countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
Educational Institution: You must have an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The institution must be on the list of DLIs approved by the Canadian government.
Proof of Funds: You need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. This usually involves providing a have obtained a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635 CAD; which helps demonstrate your financial stability.
Trình độ ngoại ngữ: You must meet the language requirements set by the institution. IRCC accepts the following English language tests:
- – IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training score of at least 6.0 in each language skill level (reading; writing; listening; and, speaking);
- – CELPIP General (minimum score of CLB 7);
- – CAEL (minimum score of 60);
- – Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic (minimum score of 60); and/or
- – Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test (minimum score of 83).
Medical Exam and Police Certificate: Depending on where you’re applying from, you may need to get a medical exam or police certificate. To get faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must include these with your application (if you need them). If you don’t, we won’t process your application faster.
How to Apply
Step 1: Get organized. Gather all the required documents, including your letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of payment for tuition & International Student GIC, language test results, medical tests and police reports, and the provincial attestation letter.
Step 2: Apply online. Once you have all your documents in order, you can apply online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. It’s a good idea to take time and double-check your application for accuracy and completeness before submitting it. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in delays or even rejection.
Step 3: Track your application status. After submitting your application, you can track its status online using the application number provided by IRCC. While processing times may vary, SDS applications typically receive faster processing (as little as 20 days) compared to regular study permit applications.
The Canada Student Direct Stream (SDS) program is a fantastic opportunity for eligible international students to expedite their study permit application and embark on their educational journey in Canada. By meeting the requirements and taking advantage of the benefits offered by SDS, you can look forward to a smoother and more efficient process as you prepare to study in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
