Accelerate Your Canadian Study Permit with the Student Direct Stream
Accelerate Your Canadian Study Permit with the Student Direct Stream
Are you planning to study in Canada and looking for a faster way to obtain your study permit? This guide provides essential tips to expedite your application.
International students can speed up their study permit process through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a specialized program by the Canadian government. The SDS program offers quicker processing for students from eligible countries, with some permits issued in as little as 20 days, although this timeline can vary (as defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Understanding the SDS Program The Student Direct Stream (SDS) allows eligible international students to receive their study permits faster by meeting specific criteria and submitting required documents. Most applications under the SDS are processed within 20 days, but delays can occur. Note that a study permit alone doesn’t grant entry into Canada; you may also need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Eligibility Criteria for SDS To qualify for the SDS program, you must meet several requirements, including:
Country of Residence: You must reside in one of the eligible countries: Antigua, Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, or Vietnam.
Acceptance Letter: Provide an acceptance letter from a Canadian post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Medical Exam: Required if you’ve lived or traveled in certain countries or plan to study/work in healthcare or childcare sectors.
Police Certificate: To verify you have no criminal record.
Provincial Attestation Letter: Confirms your intent to study in a specific province or territory.
Language Proficiency: Proof of proficiency in English or French.
Financial Proof: Proof of full tuition payment for the first year and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution.
What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)? A GIC is a Canadian investment with a guaranteed return rate for a fixed period. It can be obtained from participating financial institutions like TD, offering no application fee, a digital process, and support across Canada.
Applying for a Study Permit under SDS
Get Organized: Gather all necessary documents, including your acceptance letter, proof of tuition payment, GIC, language test results, medical exams, police certificate, and provincial attestation letter.
Apply Online: Submit your application through the IRCC website. Double-check for accuracy and completeness to avoid delays.
Track Your Application: Use your application number to monitor the status online. SDS applications generally receive faster processing.
Post-Application Process After applying, use the SDS status tracker with your UCI and application number. If approved, you’ll receive a letter of introduction and possibly an eTA or visitor visa. If refused, you can appeal or reapply, addressing any issues cited.
TD Banking Solutions for International Students TD Bank, with over 150 years of experience, offers support for newcomers with financial solutions, longer hours, and services in over 80 languages. Explore the TD New to Canada Banking Package for your banking needs.
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