Student Direct Stream (SDS):
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Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Canadian Embassy process most SDS applications within 20 calendar days. However, some applications may take longer.
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To get faster processing, you must
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give your biometrics as soon as possible
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meet all the eligibility requirements
Eligibility requirements:
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To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must:
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be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:
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China
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India
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Morocco
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Pakistan
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the Philippines
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Senegal
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Vietnam
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have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
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live outside of Canada when you apply
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have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study
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have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000
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have a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
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This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec
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get a medical exam before you apply (if you need one)
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get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one)
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have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
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have a language test result that shows:
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a score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or
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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)
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Depending on where you’re applying from, you may also need to provide other documents. Make sure you include all the documents required by the visa office that processes your application.
We may ask you to give additional documents to support your application. In this situation, your application will take longer to process.
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Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
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:
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confirm that you bought a GIC by giving you 1 of the following:
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a letter of attestation
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a GIC certificate
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an Investment Directions Confirmation or
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an Investment Balance Confirmation
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hold the GIC in an investment account or a student account that you can’t access until you arrive in Canada
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make you confirm your identity before they release any funds to you
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release the funds to you by providing:
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an initial lump sum once you identify yourself upon arrival in Canada
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the remainder of the funds in monthly or bi-monthly installments over 10 to 12 months
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If your bank or GIC doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to apply through the Student Direct Stream.
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Financial institutions that offer GICs
You can get a GIC from a financial institution listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website. Make sure the financial institution you choose offers a GIC and meets the criteria for the Student Direct Stream.
The following financial institutions offer GICs that meet the criteria:
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Bank of China
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Bank of Montreal
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Bank of Xian Co. Ltd.
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Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
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Medical exams and police certificates
Depending on where you’re applying from, you may need to get a medical exam or police certificate. To get faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must include these with your application (if you need them). If you don’t, we won’t process your application faster.
Who needs a medical exam
You may need to get a medical exam if:
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you lived or travelled in certain countries or territories for 6 or more months in the year before you come to Canada, or
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you plan on studying or working in:
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the health field
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primary or secondary education, or
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child or elder care
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To get a medical exam, you must see a doctor that has been approved by IRCC.
Who needs a police certificate
Your visa office instructions will tell you if you need to get a police certificate. You’ll find these instructions when you select your country of residence below. Make sure you read these instructions before you apply, so you know if you need a police certificate or any other documents to apply.
Bring your spouse or partner and children with you to Canada
Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may also be able to get faster processing on a
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visitor visa
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work permit
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study permit
You must complete and submit their applications at the same time as your own. If you don’t, we will not process their applications faster. When you apply online, indicate that you have family members coming with you to Canada. This lets you complete their applications with yours.
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How to Apply for Student Direct Stream (SDS):
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You must apply online to get faster processing for your study permit. There’s no paper application for the Student Direct Stream. Make sure you include all the required documents with your application.
Before you apply online, make sure you have the following:
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Instruction Guide to fill out your forms
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scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
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valid credit or debit card to make a payment
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