In response to COVID-19, Canada has implemented special measures impacting international students. Learn more. Notably, while regular study permit applicants are allowed to submit incomplete applications due to COVID-19, the Student Direct Stream still requires complete applications. If you cannot gather all necessary documents due to COVID-19, you may still be able to apply through the regular study permit stream.
Is Canada’s Student Direct Stream right for you?
Studying in Canada has become an even more attractive proposition for residents of key Asian and African partner countries, thanks to the new Student Direct Stream (SDS Canada).
Under the Student Direct Stream, or SDS Canada as it’s also known, students residing in the Philippines, China, India, Vietnam, Pakistan, Morocco, or Senegal who demonstrate upfront that they have the financial resources and language skills to succeed academically in Canada benefit from faster processing times. The service standard for Canada’s Student Direct Stream processing is 20 calendar days.
To qualify for the Student Direct Stream in Canada, applicants need to meet additional requirements, in particular language levels that are stricter than regular study permit requirements. In addition, a core component for acceptance through the Student Direct Stream is submitting a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) showing you have an investment account with a balance of CAD $10,000 or higher.
Students who do not have all of the additional information may still apply through the regular study permit application process, either online or at a Visa Application Centre. Applications that meet the regular study permit criteria but not the Student Direct Stream criteria may be processed according to the regular study permit criteria, but do receive the faster processing that is available under the Student Direct Stream (SDS Canada).
“IRCC recognizes the tremendous economic, cultural and social benefits that international students bring to Canada. We are committed to improving client service for all applicants, including students, as we continue to find new and efficient ways to reduce processing times,” stated Ahmed Hussed, Canada’s Minister of Immigration at the time of the SDS launch.
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