STUDENT DIRECT STREAM (SDS) - INDIA - CHINA-VIETNAM, PHILIPPINES

IRCC News release

June 8, 2018 – – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making great strides in promoting Canada as a destination of choice for international students seeking a quality education by finding efficient ways to process applications.

To support the growth in study permit applications, IRCC today announces the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which is available to students applying for a study permit from China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines. Students from those countries 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 SDS, applicants need to meet additional requirements, in particular language levels that are stricter than regular study permit requirements

• Students applying for SDS must first be accepted at a Canadian learning institution that is designated to host international students. In addition, they must satisfy key criteria, such as submitting proof upfront of:

  • tuition payment for the first year of study at a designated learning institution in Canada,
  • purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000,
  • completion of an upfront medical examination,
  • a qualifying score of at least 6 for English (IELTS), or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens score of 7 for French (TEF), or graduation from a Canadian-curriculum high school.