The Student Direct Stream is a new program that makes it easier and faster for international students to get the study permit for Canada. It was introduced to streamline the visa application process and reduce the processing time. So, we can say that it is the fast lane for visa applications joining SDS colleges in Canada. Normally, it takes about 20 calendar days to process study permit applications under this SDS program. This program is currently available for the international students who belong to India, Vietnam, China, Pakistan, Philippines, etc. If you are planning to study in Canada, ensure that you visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the latest information about the SDS program.

Eligibility Criteria for Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Students who are planning to study in Canada and want to get study permit under the SDS program have to meet the following eligibility requirements. The SDS program requirements are:

  • Submission of the acceptance letter from the College or University (Designated Learning Institute).
  • Proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000 which showcases that students can afford the cost of living and other expenses while living in Canada.
  • Submission of the slip of the paid tuition fees for the first year of the course they have enrolled in.
  • Candidates have to pass the medical examination test from a recognized doctor of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  • Submission of the scorecard of the English proficiency test such as IELTS. Candidates have to score at least 6.0 marks in the reading, writing, listening and speaking module of IELTS test.
  • Proof of the academic records and certificates.
  • Candidates who apply to Quebec province, they have to submit the Quebec Acceptance Certificate.
  • Candidates have to submit the Police Clearance Certificate that shows there is no criminal record pending against the candidate.
  • Depending upon the individual case, candidates have to submit the other documents accordingly.

Who can apply for SDS Canada?

Candidates can check the new rules for study visa in Canada. Candidates who belong to the following countries can apply for the study permit under SDS Canada:

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

Application Procedure for SDS Visa Applications

To apply for the study permit to Canada under the SDS program, candidates have to submit an online application form. Those who will submit the offline application form will not be considered for application processing. The Canada study visa interview application process is:

  1. Candidates have to create an account on the official website of IRCC. They have to open the Application for Study Permit made outside Canada form.
  2. Enter all the personal and family details in the application form.
  3. Upload all the required documents such as language test results, medical test, police clearance certificate, official transcripts, valid passport, identity card etc.
  4. Submit the biometric processing fee payment and click on the ‘Submit’ button.
  5. Your application form will be finally submitted and it takes about 20 calendar days to process study permit applications under this SDS program.

Required Documents for SDS Visa Applications

Candidates need to provide IELTS or TOEFL scores. There are Canada student visa w/o IELTS option also. Candidates applying for the study permit to Canada under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program have to submit the following documents along with their application form:

  • Letter of Acceptance from Designated Learning Institute
  • Valid passport
  • Government authorized identity card
  • Scorecard of language proficiency test
  • Photocopy of the original transcripts
  • Slip of the paid tuition fees for the first year of the course in which they have enrolled in
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate payment
  • Photocopy of the cleared medical test by the approved doctor of IRCC
  • Documents of the relevant academic background
  • Quebec Acceptance Certificate, who have applied to the Quebec province
  • Police Clearance Certificate

What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?

The GIC is a type of investment that offers a guaranteed rate of return over a fixed period of time. This certificate is used as a proof by the candidates who are applying for the study permit in Canada under SDS program. It shows that candidates have enough funds to support the cost of living and other expenses while living in Canada. It basically acts as a guarantee that a specific amount of money will be available to the student upon their arrival to Canada.

It covers the cost of living expenses such as accommodation, food, travel, and other leisure activities. It is the financial security that ensures the students can meet their requirements while pursuing their studies in Canada. Here is the list of some of the financial institutions that offers the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC):

  • Bank of China
  • HSBC Canada Bank
  • RBC Royal Bank
  • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
  • SBI Canada Bank
  • Bank of Beijing
  • Bank of Montreal
  • CIBC
  • Desjardins
  • ICICI Bank
  • Scotia Bank

Documents that acts as proof of GIC

  • Investment Directions Certificate
  • GIC Certificate
  • Investment Balance Confirmation
  • Letter of Attestation

Designated Learning Institutes(DLIs)

There are various Designated Learning Institutes in Canada. Some of these institutes are:

  • Academy of Fashion Design
  • College of New Caledonia
  • Canford Institute of Technology
  • Alexander College
  • Bishop’s University
  • Eston College
  • Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences Inc.
  • Vancouver Community College
  • Canadian Imperial College
  • Cumberland College
  • Bishop's University
  • CDE Collège
  • Georgian College
  • Royal Military College Saint-Jean
  • University of Calgary
  • York University

Scores Accepted for Visa Applications Under SDS Program

Candidates planning to study under the SDS program have to submit the scorecard of any language proficiency test while applying for the Canada Student visa. The minimum scores required in the language proficiency test under the SDS visa applications are:

  • TOEFL iBT: 83
  • PTE: 60
  • IELTS: 6.0 (in each module that includes writing, speaking, listening, and reading)
  • CAEL: 60
  • Academic 6.0

FAQs

Ques: Why should we choose SDS over Non-SDS?

Ans: It is preferred to choose SDS over Non-SDS because of lesser documents requirement, and fastest processing which means that your visa decisions will be announced faster and you can soon move to Canada for higher studies.

Ques: Which language proficiency scores are widely accepted under the SDS program?

Ans: Mostly IELTS scores are accepted under the SDS visa application process in which candidates have to score at least 6.0 marks in each module that includes reading, writing, listening and speaking sections.

Ques: Is GIC needed for a Non-SDS program?

Ans: No, Guaranteed Investment Certificate is not needed under the Non-SDS program. It is required only under the SDS program to show the funds that will support the cost of living in Canada.

Ques: Which is better: SDS or Non-SDS?

Ans: Student Direct Stream (SDS) is better as compared to Non-SDS because it provides the high success rate of visa acceptance if candidates are successful in submitting all the documents on time.

Ques: How much time does it take to process visa applications under the SDS program?

Ans: Normally, it takes about 20 calendar days to process study permit applications under this SDS program.

Ques: Which foreign language is required for the visa applications submitted under the SDS program?

Ans: TEF score is required as a foreign language for the visa applications submitted under the SDS program that must correspond to at least 7 Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores in all the sections.

Ques: What are the requirements for the SDS visa applications?

Ans: The requirements for the SDS visa applications are Letter of Acceptance from DLI, Valid passport, Government authorized identity card, Scorecard of language proficiency test, Official transcripts, Slip of the paid tuition fees for the first year, GIC, etc.

Ques: What is the visa application fees under the SDS program?

Ans: The application fee for SDS Canada visa is C$150. For payment, the following credit and prepaid cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.

Ques: What does SDS stands for?

Ans: SDS stands for Student Direct Stream, which is a new program that makes it easier and faster for international students to get the study permit for Canada.

Ques: How does the bank release the funds under GIC?

Ans: The bank will firstly release an initial amount when the candidates will reach Canada and the rest of the amount will be released as monthly installments under a year.?