Canada’s Student Direct Stream, sometimes called SDS Canada, helps fast-track the processing of study permits for certain international students. Most SDS applications are processed within 20 days.

If you live in one of the following countries in Africa or Asia, you may be eligible to apply for a Canadian study permit through the Student Direct Stream:

Antigua and Barbuda

Brazil

China

Colombia

Costa Rica

India

Morocco

Pakistan

Peru

Philippines

Senegal

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

International students applying through SDS Canada are required to show proof of full payment of the tuition for the first year of their studies. 

This might look like:

a receipt from the DLI

a receipt from a bank showing that tuition fees have been paid to the DLI

an official letter from the DLI confirming payment of tuition fees

In order to be eligible for SDS, the person must be a resident of one of the countries listed above. As well, the person must have the following required documents:

Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada

Upfront medical exam confirmation document

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 CAD

Proof that tuition fees for the first year of study in Canada have been paid

Proof of graduation from a Canadian curriculum high school or a language test showing either:

Score of at least 6 in each category of the IELTS

Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens score of at least 7 for French

A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. Many banks offer GICs. 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
• hold the GIC in an investment account or a student account that you can’t access until you arrive in Canada
• confirm your identity before they release any funds to you

Once you arrive in Canada, you will receive a portion of your GIC. The rest will be paid out to you over the next 10 to 12 months.

If your bank or GIC doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to apply through the Student Direct Stream.

The only way to apply for a study permit through SDS is online. This instruction guide can help you to fill out the necessary forms. 

You will also need:

A scanner or camera to submit electronic copies of your documents

A credit or debit card in order to make a payment

Canada makes it easy for international students to become permanent residents if they want to remain in the country.

The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows international students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduating. After working in Canada for one year, international graduates may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.