What is SDS- Student Direct Stream?

You can obtain your study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) more quickly, depending on where you reside. As per Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada, most SDS applications are processed within 20 calendar days of receipt. Some applications, though, can take longer.

If you want quicker processing, you must immediately submit your biometrics, which should meet all the eligibility requirements.

Requirements to qualify for Student Direct Stream

1. You are required to hold citizenship or legal residency in any 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, or Vietnam.
2. If you are a citizen of the above-mentioned countries but reside elsewhere, you will need to go through the standard process of applying for a study permit. In case you do not meet the requirements for expedited processing, you can still apply via the standard procedure.
3. You must possess a letter of acceptance from an approved post-secondary Designated Learning Institution(DLI). You may continue to study there until your existing study permit expires, even if the institution is de-designated while you are enrolled there. The only exception is if you are enrolled in a DLI; otherwise, you won’t be able to renew your permission.
4. You are living outside at the time you apply.
5. You must possess documentation that you have paid your first year’s tuition.
6. You must exhibit a $10,000 Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
7. If you intend to attend university in Quebec, you must hold a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) attestation of issuance from the Ministry of  Immigration, Francisation, and Integration.
8. You have to undergo a medical exam before applying (if required).
9. You must obtain a police certificate before applying (If required).
10. You must exhibit the latest transcripts from your secondary or post-level education.
11. You must have the minimum rating needed for one of the mandatory language exams.

If applied before August 10th, 2023:

i. IELTS score of 6 or higher in each language ability (listening, reading, writing, and speaking)

ii. TEF score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of at least 7 for each ability (listening, reading, writing, and speaking)

If applied on or after August 10, 2023

i. CAEL Test: Minimum overall score of 60.

ii. CELPIP: Equivalent to CLB 7 or higher for each ability.

iii. IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.

iv. IELTS General: Equivalent to CLB 7 or higher for each ability.

v. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 60.

i. IELTS score of 6 or higher in each language ability (listening, reading, writing, and speaking)

ii. TEF score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of at least 7 for each ability (listening, reading, writing, and speaking)

Additional documentation might be necessary based on your application’s origin. Ensure you submit all the paperwork required by the visa office to process your application. Their request for additional supporting documents for your application may cause further delay in processing your application.