Student Direct Stream
SDS is an expedited study permit application stream for international students who wish to pursue higher education in Canada. The processing of the SDS usually takes 20 calendar days upon submission.
Who can apply ?
- Legal residents living in 1 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
If you live in another country (even if you are a citizen of one of the countries above), or if you don’t meet the eligibility for faster processing, you may still be eligible for a study permit through the regular study permit application process.
What are the Other Eligibility Requirements for SDS:
- Have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI)
- Live outside of Canada when you apply
- Have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study
- Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of 10 000$ CAD
- If studying in Quebec, have a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec
- Get a medical exam before you apply
- Get a police certificate before you apply
- Have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcripts
- Meet the language test requirements (overall minimum IELTS score of 6)
Benefits of the SDS:
- You can bring your family. If you are bringing your spouse or partner and children with you to Canada on your study permit, they may also be able to get faster processing on their visitor visa, work permit, or study permit. A key benefit of this is that it allows you to study in Canada while your spouse or partner works to support you. Not only is this financially beneficial to you, but it will also allow your partner to gain Canadian work experience, which will strengthen both of your permanent residence applications if that is something that you are interested in. It’s just great!
- Pathway to Permanent Residency. Another benefit of the SDS or specifically a study permit is that it provides another pathway to permanent residency in Canada. Canada sees international students as valuable potential permanent residents due to their age, educational credentials, language ability, and life experience in the country. Canada has made it easier for students to get permanent resident status through a number of key programs that you may be eligible for following the completion of your studies. For example, the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program allows international students to remain in Canada and work for up to three years after their studies. This Canadian work experience gained will help strengthen your permanent residence .
Direct Stream vs Regular Study Permit
Student Direct Stream
- Online application only
- 14 countries only
- Usually within 20 calendar days if all requirements are met
- Proof of Funds required plus proof of GIC of at least CAD $10K + full payment of tuition fees for 1st year
- Proof of completion of upfront medical examination
- IELTS: overall minimum score of 6.0
Regular Study Permit
- Online or paper based application
- All countries
- Processing time varies by countries
- Proof of funds required
- Medical exam may be required
- Language proficiency test: not required, as long as you have a Letter Of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Bring your spouse or partner and children with you to Canada !
Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may also be able to get faster processing on a:
- Visitor visa
- Work permit
- Study permit
You must complete and submit their applications at the same time as your own.
To know more on the Student Direct Stream click here
It’s so simple ! Let Wanago Canada help you choose a program and a school and you can start your pathway to permanent residence now. We take care of everything.