Student Direct Stream in Canada
Get comprehensive guidance from experts and turn your dream of
studying Student Direct Stream in Canada into reality.
Student Direct Stream in Canada
Get comprehensive guidance from experts and turn your dream of studying Student Direct Stream in Canada into reality.
Student Direct Stream in Canada
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) in Canada has transformed the visa application process for international students, offering expedited processing times and enhancing accessibility. The scheme was initiated to favor potential applicants from major countries like India, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
This move only strengthens Canada's resolve to be an attraction for the best brains from across the world. Any aspiring student needs to know the requirements and benefits of the Student Direct Stream to make effective and efficient study in Canada a reality.
What is SDS (Student Direct Stream)?
The Canada Student Direct Stream or SDS is, in essence, a visa processing scheme on a fast track. It is primarily based on quick study permit application processing for International students. The process mainly targets some key countries of interest: India, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
The system has been launched to provide an increased level of efficiency in processing as well as greater accessibility in all aspects. Among all the advantages, one of the most important is decreased Student Direct Stream processing time, as eligible candidates often receive their study permit within 20 calendar days.
To qualify under Student Direct Stream Canada requirements, one needs to follow some strict prerequisites, which include proof of proficiency in the language, financial stability, and acceptance by any recognized continuous Designated Learning Institution.
The Student Direct Stream SDS program also assures a well-defined procedure of application complemented by a Student Direct Stream Canada checklist, which provides transparency and ease. It supports Canada's ambition of being an attraction to the best of global talent in its institutions of learning with such benefits of SDS as much faster processing, simpler procedures, and a more predictable application experience.
What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate, or GIC, is a very secure investment product in Canada. It's nothing but a fixed kind of term deposit whereby a certain amount of money drawn by the investor is invested in a fixed return interest rate over a fixed period.
In effect, it becomes a guaranteed return on the money invested, which is why it's considered an even low-risk investment for conservative investors who intend to draw steady returns on their investments. They may also be pegged to the term of investment, typically between one and five years. GICs are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation up to certain limits, leaving investors with extra security.
What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?
A DLI is a learning institution in Canada to which a provincial or territorial government has approved to accept international students. The institutions meet certain criteria and also regulations set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
A DLI can include both universities and colleges as well as other educational institutions with eligible programs for study permit applications. International students are only allowed to enroll and receive a study permit at a DLI.
To continue enjoying the designation, institutions need to ensure they adhere to prescribed standards regarding the quality of programs, facilities, and services to be provided to students. This builds an environment that welcomes international students in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements for Canada's Student Direct Stream
The Student Direct Stream, or SDS, is a program specially designed in Canada to expedite the processing of Student Direct Stream applications for study permits to residents of 14 designated countries. It intends to facilitate the entire visa application procedure, promising to process the eligible applications in as short a span as 20 calendar days.
While applying for SDS in Canada, the following are the conditions and documents an international student seeking admission will have to furnish:
- Letter of Acceptance: Prior to applying, the applicant will need to acquire a valid letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution or DLI.
- Provincial Attestation Letter, or PAL: Although usually this would be a prerequisite for acceptance, with some exceptions, the letter confirms that the institution has met the province's standards regarding education.
- Medical Examination: This allowance will require proof of a medical examination.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): The applicant must demonstrate that they have bought, from a participating Canadian financial institution, a GIC in the amount of $20,635, in CAD.
- Financial Support: Proof of financial ability to support oneself while in Canada in terms of expenses for living and travel during one's stay.
- Tuition Fees: Proof of having paid for or made arrangements to finance the first year of study at a DLI.
- Language Proficiency: An approved English or French proficiency by testing for IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT, with minimum score criteria for each.
- Visa Application: It shall be received at the VAC designated by IRCC with the application.
Once approved, a letter of introduction, also known as a Port of Entry letter, along with a temporary resident visa, if required, is sent to students authorizing them to travel to Canada. A copy of this letter is proof of in-principle approval of a study permit and must be shown to Canadian immigration officials when landing.
Language Scores Accepted for SDS Visa Applications
The following English language proficiency exams are allowed for an SDS visa application to Canada:
- IELTS: Academic or General Training with at least 6.0 in each of these language skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
- CELPIP: This should be the General test variety, with a minimum score corresponding to Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for each skill area.
- CAEL: This should have a minimum score of 60.
- PTE Academic: Should have a minimum score of 60.
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 83.
Documents required for SDS visa applications
If you are eligible, the documents required by the SDS visa process for Canada are as follows:
- Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution
- Proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate payment; certificate or letter of attestation
- IELTS TRF or TEF scorecard
- Valid passport
- Proof of tuition fee payment for the first year of study
- Relevant academic background with complete academic documents
- Copy of your medical examination report given by an authorized panel of doctors
- Additional requirement of CAQ for students intending to study in Quebec.
How to Apply for Student Direct Stream?
- Here is how you can apply for Canada Student Visa using SDS :
- Obtain an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution based in Canada.
- Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter if necessary.
- Obtain proof of upfront medical examination.
- Purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate amounting to CAD 20,635 from a participating Canadian financial institution.
- Pay for your first year tuition and provide its proof.
- Proof of financial means to sustain yourself for living expenses as well as travel costs during your study stay in Canada.
- Pass an approved test of study in the English language-IELTS, CELPIP, CAEL, PTE Academic, or TOEFL ibT-and obtain at least the minimum required scores.
- Fill up the online application form via the IRCC website.
- Scan and attach all your paperwork: a letter of acceptance, PAL-if you need to have it, medical test clearance report, GIC certificate, proof of tuition payment, financial documents, and result of language test.
- Pay online by credit card.
- Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre to provide your biometrics and submit additional documents, if required.
- Check the status of your application on the IRCC Website or contact the VAC.
- If approved, collect the letter of introduction from IRCC, also called the Port of Entry letter, and a temporary resident visa.
- Upon arrival in Canada, proceed to the Canadian immigration officers to show these documents.
Conclusion
The Student Direct Stream program in Canada is a very significant entry point for international students who seek continuity in their studies in Canada. It drives the preparation process because of its well-documented minimum requirements for admission, with further untapped potential. Through this, students are provided with a hassle-free and convenient manner of acquiring a Canada Student Visa.
At AECC, we're here to guide you every step of the way! Discover how SDS can fast-track your study permit application, ensuring you meet all requirements swiftly and seamlessly. Don't miss out on this streamlined process designed for students like you. Contact us today to start your journey towards studying in Canada with confidence and clarity!
