Student Direct Stream (SDS) Study Visa

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) provides eligible international students from 14 countries a faster pathway to obtain their Canadian study permit.

Important Update:

The SDS Program has been discontinued. Applicants must now apply through the NON-SDS Program.

What is a Study Permit?

A Canadian study permit allows you to temporarily reside in Canada to pursue educational goals. It includes key details such as:

  • Your purpose of stay
  • Your study program level
  • The program's duration
  • Work eligibility during studies (on/off-campus) and any conditions imposed

Most SDS applications are processed within 20 calendar days, but some may take longer depending on circumstances.

Faster Processing Requirements:

To benefit from expedited processing, you must:

  • Submit Biometrics: Provide biometrics promptly when required.
  • Meet Eligibility Standards: Ensure you satisfy all SDS criteria.

Note: A study permit is not a visa and cannot facilitate travel or entry into Canada. Depending on your situation, you may need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

Eligibility for the Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Legal residents of the following 14 countries are eligible for SDS faster processing:

Eligible Countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, the Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam.

To qualify for SDS, you must:

  • Have a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory you plan to study in.
  • Possess an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI).
  • Apply from outside Canada.
  • Provide proof of first-year tuition payment.
  • Hold a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of C$20,635.
  • Submit recent academic transcripts (secondary or post-secondary).
  • Prove language proficiency via an approved language test (see Language Test Results).

You may also need to:

  • Obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) if studying in Quebec.
  • Undergo a medical exam, if applicable.
  • Submit a police certificate, if required.

Additional documentation could be requested, which may extend processing times. Refer to your country’s visa office for specific instructions.

How to Apply for SDS

Follow these steps to apply for a study permit under the SDS:

  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL):
    • Students applying after January 22, 2024, must submit a PAL specific to their chosen province.
    • PAL is an electronic certification confirming eligibility and provincial quotas.
    • Exemptions: Master’s, Doctoral, and K-12 students.
  • Proof of First-Year Tuition Payment:
    • Receipt from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
    • Official letter from the DLI confirming payment
    • Bank receipt showing fund transfer to the DLI
    • Proof of funds deposited in a DLI repository account
  • Language Proficiency Tests:

    As of August 10, 2023, SDS applicants can also use test results from CAEL, CELPIP, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. Minimum score requirements include:

    • IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall (5.5 acceptable in one module)
    • TOEFL iBT: 83
    • PTE Academic: 60
    • CELPIP General: 7 in each module
    • CAEL: 60

Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Changes

For applications submitted after November 1, 2024, new PGWP eligibility requirements will apply:

  • University Graduates: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree holders must demonstrate CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) proficiency.
  • College Graduates: Must meet CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French) and graduate in eligible fields.

Bringing Family Members

Spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children can qualify for faster processing of visitor visas, work permits, or study permits if their applications are submitted alongside yours.

Reasons for Refusal

Common reasons for refusal include:

  • Lack of intention to return to the home country
  • No Letter of Acceptance
  • Low academic performance or language scores
  • Insufficient financial proof
  • Unclear purpose of visit
  • Biometric rejections
  • Family ties in Canada
  • Unauthorized immigration consultant use
  • Program choice unrelated to past qualifications

What if Your Application is Refused?

If your application is denied, our experienced team can help. With over 10 years of expertise in handling rejected cases (including multiple refusals, education gaps, and mature applicants), we create tailored solutions based on case law precedents to improve your chances of success. Our approval rate exceeds 90% for previously refused cases.

Get Started with Waymark Immigration

At Waymark Immigration, our dedicated visa specialists support you throughout the process—from application submission to visa approval. Let us guide you to success. Begin your journey today!