SDS (Student Direct Stream) Canada – Explained

SDS (Student Direct Stream) Canada - Explained

What is SDS (Student Direct Stream)?

For Canada study permit applications, there are two streams available through which Canada study visa applications can be submitted. One is the regular stream, also called as Non-SDS stream. The other one is called as SDS or Student Direct Stream.

Now, the major difference between SDS and regular (Non-SDS) stream is the processing time of the visa applications. If you apply through regular stream, the study visa application processing can take 2-3 months or more in some cases. Whereas, SDS Canada visa application time is 20 days or even less in some cases.

So, SDS is a faster way to get your Canada Study Permit. But keep in mind that SDS comes with a stricter eligibility requirements than the regular stream. In this post, we will find out more about the requirements to apply under Canada Student Direct Stream.

Who can apply through SDS (Student Direct Stream)?

Residents of the countries in the below list are eligible to apply through SDS, as long as they meet other requirements:

Antigua and BarbudaColombiaMoroccoPhilippines
BrazilCosta RicaPakistanSenegal
ChinaIndiaPeruSaint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and TobagoVietnam

SDS (Student Direct Stream) – Eligibility

Some of the requirements are same as the regular stream such as having an acceptance letter from the college/university, taking a medical exam, submitting a police clearance certificate. The requirements that are unique to this stream are: proof of 1 year of tuition fee, a GIC of CAD 10,000, minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each skill and a resident of one of the eligible countries.

Below is the comprehensive list of requirements that one must meet to be eligible for SDS

  • be a legal resident living in 1 of the eligible countries
  • have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
  • 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 CAN$10,000 
  • have a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration if you’re planning to study in Quebec
  • get a medical exam before you apply (if you need one)
  • get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one)
  • have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
  • have a valid ILETS or TEF test result

SDS – Language Test Requirements

  • an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening), or
  • a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)  score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening)

SDS residency requirement

To apply under SDS must be a resident of one of the eligible countries at the time of applying. Suppose you are a citizen of China but you are currently living in UAE. You cannot apply under SDS from UAE, as it is not in the list of the eligible countries. You can apply under SDS if you are residing in one of the eligible countries.

Proof of full payment of tuition for the applicant’s first year of study

One of the major requirements under SDS is the Proof of full payment of tuition for the applicant’s first year of study. Usually the colleges or universities require fee for 1 semester only before you can begin your studies. But to apply under SDS, you need to pay full fee for 1 year of study.

You can contact your DLI to know more about the advance fee payment options and obtaining proof of full payment of tuition for the applicant’s first year of study.

Following documents can serve as a valid proof:

  • a receipt from the DLI
  • an official letter from the DLI confirming payment of tuition fees
  • a receipt from a bank showing that tuition fees have been paid to the DLI
  • proof that the tuition fee amount has been transferred into a repository account at the DLI to be applied to the tuition bill at a later date

GIC of CAD 10,000 for SDS

It is mandatory to purchase a GIC of CAD 10,000 from an eligible bank to apply under SDS. GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. Many Canadian banks offer GICs.

You have to upload the proof of buying a GIC when you apply for Study Permit through SDS. Following documents can be attached as a proof of purchasing a GIC.

The bank that gives you the GIC must confirm that you bought a GIC by giving you 1 of the following:

  • a letter of attestation
  • a GIC certificate
  • an Investment Directions Confirmation or
  • an Investment Balance Confirmation

IRCC SDS Update

Please refer to the IRCC SDS webpage for any latest update or changes to SDS before applying. Here is the link.

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