Canada Student Direct Stream (SDS) [detailed guide]

Canada Student Direct Stream (SDS) [detailed guide]

Canada has become a top destination for Indian students over the past few years. The latest data shows approximately 600,000 Indian students studying in Canadian institutions. Canada has a world-class education system and offers lucrative employment opportunities, making it a favorite for Indians who want to study abroad. 

Indian students applying for a Canadian study permit have always been eligible for accelerated processing via the Student Direct Stream. 

However, as of November 8, 2024, Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) program has officially closed. This marks a significant change for Indian students who want to pursue education in Canada. 

The SDS was well known for its streamlined application process and faster approval times compared to the regular student visa pathway. Despite the program’s closure, many of the SDS’s efficient procedures share similarities with the standard student visa process. 

Whether you were considering the SDS or are transitioning to the regular student visa process, understanding these is crucial to successfully securing your study visa for Canada.

This article outlines the essential details of Canadian SDS, from eligibility requirements to the application process. 

What is SDS?

The full form of SDS is the Student Direct Stream. This program helped eligible international students get a Canadian study permit faster and more efficiently. In 2018, SDS succeeded the Student Partners Program (SPP). The objective was to provide a faster way for the growing number of international students to immigrate. 

The Canadian SDS ensured that students met strict documentation and financial requirements and could live and study comfortably. Under SDS most applications were processed within approximately 20 days and students from several countries, including India, China, Brazil, and Vietnam, were eligible for the fast-track student visa system. 

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an educational institution in Canada that has the permission to host international students. To obtain a Canadian SDS study permit, you must have an acceptance letter from a DLI. 

How to Find a DLI

You can check if your institution is a DLI by: 

• Visiting the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website 
• Selecting the province or territory where your institution is located 
• Searching for the institution’s name, city, and other relevant details 

DLI Number

You’ll need to provide the DLI number for your school on your study permit application. The DLI number is listed under “Details of Intended Study in Canada”. 

Exceptions

There are some cases where you may be exempt from providing a DLI number, such as if you’re a student at a primary or secondary institution. 

Changing Programs

If you change programs within the same DLI, you usually don’t need to change your study permit. 

Losing Designation Status

If a DLI loses its designation status after you’ve been issued a study permit, you can continue to study there until your permit expires or transfer to another DLI. 

Here are a few major colleges and universities that belong to the DLI list:

Major Universities

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University
• University of Alberta
• University of Waterloo
• University of Western Ontario
• McMaster University
• Queen’s University

Colleges

• Centennial College
• Humber College
• George Brown College
• Algonquin College
• Douglas College
• Vancouver Community College
• Camosun College
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?

A Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a low-risk investment product in Canada that offers a guaranteed rate of return over a fixed period of time. GICs are similar to fixed deposit certificates offered by banks in India. Put simply they are a safe return investment product that can be bought and liquidated easily. 

International students can purchase GIC from registered Canadian financial institutions. It’s one of the requirements for international students to study in Canada. The GIC amount is intended to show that the student has enough funds to cover their annual expenses, in addition to their tuition fees.

As of 2024, the minimum GIC amount for international students is CAD 20,635 which is equal to INR 12,45,800. This is an increase from the previous minimum of CAD 10,000. The new amount is due to rising living expenses and inflation rates in Canada. 

How to buy GIC from India? 

You can buy GIC from Canadian banks such as Scotiabank. However, most Indian students prefer to buy GIC from Indian banks such as ICICI Bank Canada and SBI Canada Bank. 

Here is How It Works With SBI Canada Bank:

• To get a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from SBI Canada Bank, you’ll need to create an account and transfer CAD 20,785, which includes CAD 150 fees.
• Once your account is activated, the bank will open two accounts in your name:
• The first will be for everyday banking, which will be credited with CAD 4,135. 
• The other will be a fixed deposit in a GIC account with CAD 16,500 invested for one year. 
• Each month you will receive CAD 1,375 plus interest. 

What are the eligibility criteria for SDS?

To apply for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in Canada, applicants had to meet a few eligibility requirements. The key requirements included:

Be a Citizen of a Designated Country

Only residents from specific countries were eligible to apply through SDS. These included:

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

Receive an Acceptance Letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

Canadian SDS applicants needed a confirmed admission to a post-secondary institution recognized by the Canadian government. 

Meet Language Proficiency Requirements

Typically, this meant achieving a minimum IELTS score of band 6 overall. 

Provide Proof of Funds

Applicants had to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the first year’s tuition fees and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635

Submit All Necessary Documentation

SDS applicants needed to provide all required documents, including:

• A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) 
• Proof of payment for the first year of tuition 
• A valid passport 
• Proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) payment of CAD 20,635
• An IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each band 
• A copy of your most recent secondary or post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate 
• A copy of your most recent transcripts 
• A copy of your medical examination from an authorized panel of doctors (if applicable) 
• Proof of completion of biometrics 

Note About Studying in Quebec 

Quebec, a province in Central Canada, is different from the rest of the country in several ways, including its language, culture, institutions, and legal system. 

There are some differences in applying to a college or university in the province of Quebec such as McGill University, University of Montreal, Laval University, and Concordia University. 

• A student in Quebec generally needs to know French, as it is the primary language spoken in the province. 
• Recent legislation requires most out-of-province and international students to demonstrate a certain level of French proficiency by the end of their studies. 
• Depending on the program and university, some English-taught courses are available, particularly in Montreal. 
• The GIC amount for Quebec is lower than the rest of the country at CAD 15,078 i.e. INR 9,10,670. 
• Students have to apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) separately while applying for a visa. 

Language scores accepted for SDS visa applications

Several language proficiency tests were accepted for Canadian SDS visa applications. These are standardized tests that measure a non-native speaker’s English language proficiency. 

Most commonly, applicants used the IELTS Academic test for their SDS application. PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, CELPIP, and CAEL were also recognized, each with their own minimum score requirements.

IELTS Academic was the preferred test for most SDS visa applicants. 

Documents required for SDS visa applications

When applying for a study permit through the SDS, students had to submit various documents to support the application. The required documents included:

• A copy of the acceptance letter from a DLI.
• Documentation confirming payment for the GIC.
• Valid results from an accepted language proficiency test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
• A copy of the applicant’s passport.
• Proof that tuition fees for the first year have been paid.
• Relevant academic documents and transcripts demonstrating educational background.
• A medical examination report from an authorized doctor.

SDS Application Process 

The SDS Application Process refers to the erstwhile procedure for applying for a Canadian study permit under the Student Direct Stream or SDS entry. It was a fast-track pathway for eligible international students to obtain a study permit. Here is a step-by-step guide to the Canadian SDS application: 

• The applicant must meet all eligibility requirements as we have outlined above.
• Compile all the documents required as explained in our article. 
• They had to buy a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) before applying for a Student Direct Stream (SDS) program in Canada. 
• Applicants had to visit the IRCC website and create an account to start an application. IRCC stands for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Canadian immigration service. 
• They had to fill out the online study permit application form known as IMM 1294. 
• Next they had to upload scanned copies of all required documents as part of the online application submission.
• The application fee for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada visa was CAD 150 and an additional CAD 85 for biometrics. 
• After the payment a biometrics request letter was sent. Applicants needed to schedule an appointment at a designated biometrics center to provide fingerprints and photographs within 30 days.
• Visa applicants had to undergo a medical examination where parameters such as weight, blood pressure, heart rate as well as state of general wellness were recorded. 
• Following the completion of these steps, the application was processed within 20 days. 
• If approved, applicants received a letter of introduction and an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or temporary resident visa to enter Canada. 
• They had to present this letter upon arrival in Canada to obtain a study permit.

By following these steps well over half a million Indian students have easily secured a Canadian study permit under the SDS. 

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Now we shall answer some frequently asked questions about study in Canada and the SDS visa. 

FAQs

1. What is the new SDS rule in Canada?

SDS has succeeded the erstwhile Student Partners Program (SPP). It was an easy way to apply for and receive a student visa in a matter of a few weeks. 

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was given to applicants from a few countries such as China, India, and Pakistan among others. From November 8, 2024, the SDS program has been halted and students have to use the regular student visa. 

2. Can SDS take more than 20 days?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) in Canada was designed to process applications within 20 days. If all eligibility criteria are met and documents are submitted correctly, there used to be no delay. Any delay beyond 20 days was considered unusual under the SDS program. 

3. What documents are required for SDS?

To apply for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program in Canada, applicants needed to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages.
• A valid acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
• IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or CELPIP English language proficiency test results.
• Proof of payment of tuition fees for the first year of study.
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate from a participating Canadian bank, showing that you have enough money to support yourself in Canada. 
• A medical certificate from a designated medical practitioner.

4. What is the Canadian SDS Student Direct Stream?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was a fast-track visa program for international students applying to study in Canada. It was introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2018.