Student Direct Stream Program Updates

Based on the recent announcements made by IRCC, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program has some additions and changes. The list of countries under SDS remains the same; however, some of the eligibility and document requirements have been updated. In the blog below, we are trying to make it simple for you to understand how those changes have impacted the Student Direct Stream application process.

Who can apply: To be eligible for the SDS Program, the student must be legally residence-living in:

- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam

If you live in another country (even if you’re a citizen of one of the countries above), you have to apply through the regular study permit application process.

How to qualify for SDS (Student Direct Stream Program).

To support the growth in study permit applications, IRCC announced the Student Direct Stream (SDS), available to students applying for study permits from the countries listed above. Students who demonstrate upfront that they have the financial resources and language skills to succeed academically in Canada will benefit from faster processing times.

To qualify for the SDS (Student Direct Stream) program, applicants must meet additional requirements, particularly language levels that are stricter than regular study permit requirements. Students who do not have all of the additional information required for SDS can apply through the regular study permit application process.

Students must appear for the English Language Test

- English Language test is the primary requirement before the student applies for college and visa applications.
- According to the student’s English test scores, he/she can apply to get admission to college or University

Language Tests Acceptable:

CAEL Test minimum overall score of 60.
You need a CELPIP score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of 7 or higher for each ability.
IELTS Academic minimum overall score of 6.0 or higher
IELTS General 7.0 or higher
PTE Academic minimum overall score of 60.
TOEFL iBT minimum overall score of 83.

Documents required

Proof of acceptance

Get LOA (Letter of Acceptance): Obtain admission acceptance letter from a college or University
Tuition Fees: Once the student gets LOA, he/she has to pay tuition fees for the first year of Study.
provincial attestation letter from the province or territory where you plan to study NEW: January 22, 2024
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if applying to a Quebec institution

Proof of identity

A valid Passport (make sure your passport is valid for more than a year before applying for a visa.

Proof of financial support

GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate): Once the student is admitted and pays the tuition fees of the college/university, the student has to open an account in a Canadian bank with a deposit amount of CAD 20,635. This investment account provides the student with funds to cover their cost of living after arrival in Canada.

A letter of explanation

A medical exam

Medical: The student has to get their medical done and submit the e-medical information sheet.

other documents

Education Documents
Bio-metrics: The Student has to get their bio-metrics done.
Other important documents based on the student’s country of visa application

After Study permit approval

Once the study permit is approved, the immigration will issue the passport request. The student has to mail their passport to the closest VAC (Visa Application Center).

After the passport is stamped, the student can plan to arrive in Canada. However, students must ensure they do not arrive too early or late to start their programs. The average arrival time is three weeks before the program start date.

On arrival, the student is issued the study permit, which has to be kept safe by the student, as it is an important legal document that determines the length of the study period in Canada.

The study permit is valid until the end of the school program; if the program is not finished and the study permit expires, the students can always extend their study permits before it expires.

The student visa application can be made online, and while it seems complicated, you can work with a certified immigration consultant like Career Abroad. We ensure that your application is submitted with the required documentation and work closely with our clients to provide the right guidance to process and submit their student visa applications.

For more clarity on the announcement and how these new changes will benefit you as an international student, contact Career Abroad: