International students from 14 qualifying countries can accelerate the processing of their Canadian study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
You will be granted permission to remain in Canada if you have a study permit. This document contains essential information about you, such as:
- In what capacity are you now located in Canada?
- what level of the programme you are now enrolled in
- How long you will be participating in your educational programme
- While you are enrolled in classes, if you are permitted to work on or off campus, and whether there are any limitations for working.
The SDS typically processes the majority of study permit applications within 20 calendar days, while there are cases when it may take more time.
Students can take advantage of processing speeds by:
- As soon as feasible, they should provide their biometric information (if it is required).
- Meet all of the prerequisites for qualifying.
Note: Please be informed that a study permit does not serve as a visa and cannot be utilised for entry or travel to Canada. An electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visiting visa may also be necessary for your trip.
Which Countries are Eligible for the Student Direct Stream?
The SDS may be able to expedite the processing of your study permit if you are a citizen or permanent resident of one of the fourteen countries listed below:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru,St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Senegal
- The Philippines
- Trinidad
- Tobago
- Vietnam
Becoming qualified requires you to:
- a provincial attestation letter (PAL) issued by the province or territory in which you intend to pursue your studies.
- Provide proof of enrollment from a DLI-approved postsecondary institution.
- Apply from outside of Canada
- Make sure you have your first year’s tuition paid in full.
- Be in possession of a GIC with a value of C$20,635.
- Bring your most current transcript(s) from whatever level of education you’ve completed except high school.
- Pass a language competency exam (for details, see “Language Test Results” down below)
You might have to do the following, depending on your situation and the school you intend to attend:
- If you intend to attend school in Quebec, you must first get a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministry of Immigration, La Francisation, and Integration.
- If required, get a medical clearance before you apply.
- Obtain a certificate from the police (if required)
Processing times could increase if you’re asked for more paperwork. To acquire the exact instructions from your nation’s visa office, please go to the drop-down option that appears when you pick your country of residency.
Applying for a Study Permit through SDS? Here’s What You’ll Need.
The documentary requirements for a study permit application filed through SDS are listed below.
A provincial attestation letter (PAL) for the intended study location is required of most international students seeking admission to Canadian universities as of January 22, 2024. Students can verify their eligibility to apply for a study permit under a province’s quota with the use of a PAL, which is an electronic certification. No PAL is necessary for students pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree, nor for pupils in grades K-12.
Proof of First-Year Tuition Payment
You can show that you paid for your whole first year of school by attaching one of these documents to your application:
- One of the receipts from the DLI
- Confirmation of payment in the form of an official letter from the DLI
- An official document from a financial institution stating that the DLI has been provided with funds
- Proof that monies have been placed into a repository account at the DLI to be used to the tuition bill later
Medical Exam
In some cases, you may be required to get a medical examination by a doctor who is approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
- Have spent at least six months in the preceding year either living in or traveling through specific countries or territories before to arriving in Canada
- Prepare to either work or study in:
- The area of medicineFirst or second year of high school
- Adult or child care
Police Certificate
Choose your home country from the drop-down option and then check the visa office’s instructions to see if a police certificate is required.
Language Test Results
Results of any language tests you may have taken to prove your command of the English or French language must be included. Results from four more sources of English proficiency tests will be accepted by SDS candidates starting August 10, 2023. These providers include:
- Common English Language Proficiency Test (CELPIP General)
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Academic Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Exam for International Business and Academic Competence (TOEFL iBT)
Submitting Your Application
The Student Direct Stream eliminates the need for students to submit paper applications in favor of an online application procedu
owing in order to finish your application:
- In order to fill out the forms, you need review the instruction booklet.
- Make digital copies of the papers you need to maintain.
- You can use a credit card or a debit card to pay for the application.
Paying for Your Biometrics
Along with their online application, the majority of students will also need to pay for biometric services. Visit a visa application center (VAC) if you need assistance with biometrics or passport submission.
