Canada’s Student Direct Stream Program

Fast-Track Your Studies: Student Direct Stream

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program that allows international students to obtain a study permit faster and easier. It was launched in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is available to students from select countries.

What is Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada?

Eligibility Criteria for SDS Canada

To be eligible for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: Students must be legal residents of one of the eligible countries or territories. The eligible countries are,
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • India
  • Morocco
  • Pakistan
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Senegal
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Vietnam
• English or French language proficiency: Students must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French by providing the required language test scores. The acceptable language tests for English proficiency are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores of 6.0 or higher in each language skill. The acceptable language test for French proficiency is TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) with a score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of at least 7 for each ability.
• Letter of acceptance: Students must have a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Financial support: Students must provide proof of financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. This can be in the form of bank statements or a letter of financial support.
• Medical examination: Students must undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): International students who are applying for a study permit under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada program are required to provide proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD$10,000 or more. The GIC requirement is specific to the SDS program and may not apply to all study permit applicants.
• Proof of full payment of tuition for the applicant’s first year of study.
• Secondary or post-secondary educational transcript.

Application Process for SDS Canada

Eligibility Criteria for SDS Canada

To be eligible for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada program, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Gather the required documents: Students must gather all the required documents, which include a letter of acceptance, language test scores, proof of financial support, and a medical examination report. The required documentation may vary according to country.
2. Complete the application form: Students must complete the online application form for a study permit. The application fee must be paid at this stage.
3. Submit the application: Once the application form is completed, students must submit the application along with the required documents. This can be done online or by mail.
4. Wait for a decision: The IRCC will process the application within 20 calendar days if the student is eligible. The student may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview if necessary.
5. Receive the study permit: If the application is approved, the student will receive a study permit, which will allow them to study in Canada.

Can you Bring your spouse or partner and children with you to Canada through SDS?

How can I get a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?

To get a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Find a participating Canadian bank: Not all banks in Canada offer GICs for international students, so you will need to find a bank that participates in the SDS program. The participating banks include:
   • Bank of Beijing
   • Bank of China
   • Bank of Montreal (BMO)
   • Bank of Xian Co. Ltd.
   • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
   • China Everbright Bank
   • DesjardinsFootnote1
   • Habib Canadian Bank
   • HSBC Bank of Canada
   • ICICI Bank
   • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
   • RBC Royal Bank
   • SBI Canada Bank
   • Scotiabank
   • Simplii Financial
   • TD Canada Trust
2. Contact the bank: Once you have identified a participating bank, you will need to contact them to start the process of opening a GIC account. You can either contact the bank directly or visit their website to find out more about the process.
3. Provide required documents: You will need to provide the bank with your passport, letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and proof of financial support, such as bank statements or a letter of financial support from a sponsor. You may also need to provide additional documents depending on the bank’s specific requirements.
4. Deposit CAD$10,000 or more: Once the bank has verified your documents, you will need to deposit CAD$10,000 or more in your GIC account. The bank will hold the funds until you arrive in Canada.
5. Receive your GIC certificate: After you have deposited the funds, the bank will issue you a GIC certificate that you will need to provide as proof of financial support when you apply for your study permit.
6. Activate your GIC account: Once you arrive in Canada and have opened a Canadian bank account, you will need to activate your GIC account. The bank will release the funds in installments to cover your living expenses while you study in Canada.

Is SDS a pathway to Canada Permanent Residency?