student-direct-stream🇨🇦 Canada
Student Direct Stream (SDS): Fast-Track Study Permit
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What Is the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an accelerated study permit processing program for legal residents of select countries. SDS applications are typically processed in 20 calendar days — much faster than regular study permit applications.
SDS-Eligible Countries
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| South Asia | India, Pakistan, Philippines |
| East Asia | China, Vietnam |
| Americas | Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Africa | Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria |
| Europe | Ukraine |
| South Pacific | Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines |
SDS Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Legal resident of an SDS-eligible country |
| Letter of Acceptance | From a DLI |
| GIC | $20,635 from a participating Canadian financial institution |
| First-year tuition | Paid in full OR partial payment + scholarship evidence |
| Language test | IELTS 6.0+ overall (or TEF equivalent) |
| Medical exam | Upfront — completed before applying |
| Police certificate | Upfront — obtained before applying |
| PAL | Provincial Attestation Letter (since 2024) |
SDS vs. Regular Study Permit
| Feature | SDS | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | ~20 days | 6–20 weeks |
| GIC required | ✅ Yes | ❌ Optional |
| Language test | ✅ IELTS 6.0+ | Not always required |
| Upfront medical | ✅ Required | Sometimes required |
| Upfront police cert | ✅ Required | Sometimes required |
| Eligible countries | Select countries only | All countries |
| Fee | Same ($150 + $85) | Same ($150 + $85) |
How to Apply Through SDS
- Get accepted by a DLI — receive Letter of Acceptance
- Take IELTS — score 6.0+ overall (no band below 6.0)
- Purchase GIC — $20,635 from an eligible bank
- Pay first-year tuition — or show scholarship
- Complete medical exam — before applying
- Get police certificate — before applying
- Get PAL — from your school/province
- Apply online — select SDS processing option
- Submit biometrics — at visa application centre
- Receive decision — typically within 20 days
GIC — Guaranteed Investment Certificate
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Amount | $20,635 |
| Purpose | Proves you can support yourself in Canada |
| Refund | You receive the money in monthly installments once in Canada |
| Participating banks | Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO, RBC, SBI Canada, ICICI Bank Canada, and others |
Tips
- Complete ALL requirements before applying — incomplete SDS applications get moved to regular processing
- Get IELTS 6.0+ in every band — not just overall; each band must be 6.0+
- GIC is refundable — think of it as savings, not a cost
- Medical exam first — book early as panel physician appointments fill up
- Faster processing isn't guaranteed — but SDS applications are prioritized
- Keep all receipts — GIC, tuition, medical, and police certificate payments
Source: IRCC — Student Direct Stream
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