Student Direct Stream Canada: Application, Student Visa, Processing Time

SDS Canada full form is Student Direct Stream Canada. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) use this process to make the Canada student visa process easy and smooth. The Canadian study visa processing time under the SDS program is around 20 days. Make sure, you fulfil the SDS Canada requirements, at the time of application.

Update: The Government of Canada announced the end of the Student Direct Stream (SDS program) on 09 November 2024. This fast-track visa program was introduced in 2018 to make Canada student visa process smoother and quicker. The sudden policy change will impact future students planning to study in Canada.

SDS Canada is popularly known as the Student Direct Stream (SDS). It was introduced by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to make the Canada study visa process easy and smother for international students. Earlier, the process of getting a student visa of Canada was time taking and complex. Due to the Student Direct Stream Canada, the visa process became smoother and more efficient. Indian students applying to universities of Canada can now expect a faster visa processing time.

The IRCC replaced the long lengthy Student Partners Program (SPP) with a new Student Direct Stream program. In this article, we will cover the entire information about this Student Direct Stream study visa program including how to apply, eligibility, required documents, fees and Canada SDS visa processing time.

What is SDS Canada?

Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada introduced the new Student Direct Stream program. This is helpful for international students who want to get a Canadian student visa to study in Canada. Now, students can expect the student VISA in less than 20 days after application submission. Needless to say, this made the student visa process faster.  

The SDS Canada program is helpful for students who belong to India, from Antigua, Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, Vietnam, Trinidad and Tobago.

How to Apply for SDS?

The application process of the Student Direct Stream program is easy for you if you have basic knowledge of the internet. Below, we have mentioned a step-by-step process to help you understand the application process of SDS.

1. Visit the official website of IRCC and fill up the IMM 1294 form (Required for everyone)
2. Upload the scanned copies of your academic and personal documents.
3. Pay the application fee by using an online payment method. Keep in mind, CAD 150 for the SDS Canada application fee and CAD 85 for the biometrics fee.
4. You need to provide your photo and fingerprint for biometrics. This step will start after paying the biometrics fee.
5. Later, you may need to undergo a medical exam.
6. After background verification, you’ll receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for entry into Canada as an international student.

Before you start the application process for SDS Canada, you must have two things handy.

1. Scanned copies of your documents.
2. A working credit/debit card to make the payment.

Related Articles: Difference Between SDS and Non-SDS Colleges in Canada

SDS Canada Visa Eligibility Requirements

The points given below provide the latest information about SDS Canada eligibility for Indian students.

• Students are supposed to submit their SDS Canada visa applications electronically.
• Language test results: IRCC SDS requirements with respect to proficiency in language abilities (reading, speaking, listening, and writing) include the following:
  • CAEL: minimum 60 (overall)
  • CELPIP General: equivalent to a CLB 7 (each ability)
  • IELTS Academic: minimum 6 (overall)
  • IELTS General: equivalent CLB 7 (each ability)
  • TCF Canada: equivalent to CLB 7 (each ability)
  • TCF Tout public: minimum 400 (overall)
  • TEF Canada: equivalent to CLB 7 (each ability)
  • TEF 5 épreuves: minimum 400
  • TOEFL iBT: minimum 83 (overall)
  • PTE Academic: minimum 60 (overall)
• Students must pay full tuition fees for the first year of study.
• Students must buy a Guaranteed Investment of Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635 from any bank insured by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or any bank listed on the IRCC SDS website (ICICI Canada and SBI Canada).
• Colleges and institutions applied by the students must have a registered Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) number.
• Have a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministry of Immigration if you are planning to study in Quebec. 
• Medical Examination 
• Police Certificate 
• Transcripts of the most recent secondary or post-secondary school.
• Must have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary Designated Learning Institute. 
• SDS Canada visa application fee of C$150.

Note: Depending upon where you are applying from more documents may be asked from you, In this situation, your application will take a longer time to process.

Who Can Not Apply for SDS Canada

• If you live in one of the countries mentioned above, you are not eligible for SDS.
• If you live in another country (even if you are a citizen of one of the countries mentioned above) 
• If you do not meet the eligibility for faster processing of your visa 

However, you are still allowed to apply through the regular student permit process to study in Canada. 

Documents Required for SDS Canada Visa Application

The points given below provide information about the documents required for SDS Canada application:

• Copy of your acceptance letter from the DLI.
• Most recent secondary or post-secondary education academic transcripts.
• Copy of your upfront medical examination confirmation.
• Proof of GIC payment of CAD 20,635.
• An official letter from DLI confirming payment of tuition fee.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Identity proof.
• Application for study permit made outside Canada.
• Family information form (if required).
• Temporary Resident Visa application form (if required).

Under this new program, all Canadian colleges and Institutions with a registered DLI number will come under SDS. Unlike SPP which allowed international students to apply to only about 45 odd PSI institutions, the SDS now is open to any college and university with a valid DLI number. The visa processing time for SDS student visa applications will be around 20 days. For non-SDS programs, the processing time will be the same as regular processing times which is around 7 weeks.

What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate?

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a short-term investment offered by the banks of Canada. It is mandatory to show the GIC investment proof at the time of the SDS Canada application. In simple words, it is proof that student has an amount in back up to fund their expenses while studying in Canada. Consider it as a prerequisite for a Canadian Student Visa. The IRCC has set the GIC Canada amount CAD 20,635 (INR 12,75,878 Approx). 

Financial Institutions that offer GICs

The GIC can be obtained from any of the financial institutions listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company Website. Before choosing a financial institution you should make sure the financial institution you choose offers GICs and meets the criteria for Student Direct Stream. Below, we provide a list of financial institutions that meet the criteria for Student Direct Stream:

• ICICI Bank 
• SBI Canada Bank 
• HSBC Canada Bank 
• Bank of Beijing 
• Bank of China 
• RBC Royal Bank 
• Scotia Bank

Advantages of Applying Through SDS Canada

Here are some advantages of applying through Student Direct Stream:

• Faster processing time than non-SDS visa application.
• You'll get your student visa in just 20 days if the biometrics process is done.
• With less financial documentation, it's easier for eligible students to meet the criteria.
• SDS applicants have access to dedicated support from Canadian visa offices.
• A wider range of universities and colleges options.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) offers a quicker and smoother process for getting a Canadian study permit. To be eligible for the SDS program, students need to meet eligibility criteria, such as paying GIC ammount to cover the full tuition for the first year of study, medical examination, and IELTS score of 6.0 in each section. 

The SDS program seems to be a breather for Indian students who can now hope for a faster visa, more options, and opportunities for jobs and PR. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.

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