Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit processing program for students from selected countries who demonstrate upfront that they have the financial resources and language skills to succeed academically in Canada.

This application for student permit under SDS must be done online using the official CIC  website. Students can apply up to three months before their intended date of travel to Canada. Remember, the application date is the date when your application fee is paid.

All Indian students applying to SDS listed universities and colleges in Canada can now expect faster visa processing through the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program launched by the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada. Most SDS applications are processed within 20 days. Students applying through the SDS stream must provide the following documents with their application:

• Proof of a language test result from IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in each language skill: listening, reading, writing and speaking 
• Proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN $10,000
• Proof of full payment of tuition for the applicant’s first year of study
• Letter of acceptance from a post-secondary DLI
• Most recent secondary or post-secondary educational transcripts
• Proof of completion of upfront medical examination

In addition to the above, applicants for SDS processing must include as part of their electronic application (e-application) the following documents:

• Application for Study Permit Made Outside Canada form [IMM 1294]
• Family Information form [IMM 5645] (if applicable)
• Schedule 1 – Application for a Temporary Resident Visa form [IMM 5257] (if applicable)
• Marriage licence or certificate or Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union form [IMM 5409](if applicable)
• Use of a Representative form [IMM 5476] (if applicable)
• Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) or letter of approval from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI) for a CAQ for applicants destined to Quebec application processing fee payment and ⦁ biometric processing fee payment (if applicable)
• Proof of identity
• Photocopy of the information and biographic data page of the applicant’s passport
• Any additional documents specified in the visa office instructions 

Visit the Student Direct Stream (SDS) page on the Government of Canada website to learn more about the SDS eligibility criteria and application process.