International students from certain countries now have it even easier to enter, study, and potentially immigrate to Canada.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an application process designed to expedite study permit applications for international students. Within 20 days, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will aim to process applications from people using this programme. The eligible countries are:

Antigua and Barbuda
Brazil
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
India
Morrocco
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Senegal
Trinidad and Tobago
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Vietnam

It should be noted, however, that citizens of any of the countries listed cannot be residents of another country at the time of their SDS programme application. Citizens of the aforementioned countries who currently reside in another country will be unable to benefit from the SDS programme when applying for a study permit. Incomplete applications will also be rejected, according to IRCC regulations.

Applying through the SDS

The procedure for obtaining a study permit through the SDS is similar to that for obtaining a non-SDS study permit. Candidates must:

Provide a copy of your acceptance letter to Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is a school that has been authorised by the provincial or territorial government to accept international students.
Proof of valid language test results obtained within two years of the application date, showing either: a minimum IELTS score of 6 in each language skill; or a TEF score equivalent to at least a 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for each language ability.
Provide proof of the applicant's completion of the initial medical exam;
Prove that they have a $10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). A GIC is a document issued by a bank or financial institution to prove that money was invested in an asset or purchase. Eligible GICs are issued by financial institutions listed on the website of the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company.
Prove that you have already paid your tuition for the first year of study.
Transcript of most recent secondary or postsecondary education.
Submit an application at a Visa Application Center (VAC).

In addition to these, candidates must submit additional documents with their application, including (but not limited to):

Application for Study Permit made outside of Canada form; and
Schedule 1 – Application for a Temporary Resident Visa form.

Successful programme applicants will be issued a Port of Entry letter of introduction as well as a Canadian study permit (temporary resident visa) to enter and study in Canada. Students enrolled full-time in an eligible programme (at least 6 months in duration and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate) from a DLI can work in Canada with a valid study permit.

Students may work full-time on campus throughout the year, or part-time off-campus during regular semesters, with the option of working full-time during scheduled breaks (i.e., winter/summer holidays). Students may work in a co-op or internship placement if their programme requires them to work in order to complete their degree. Students must obtain a Social Insurance Number in order to work (SIN). The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a unique 9-digit number used by the Canadian government to identify and categorise all residents—international students are eligible for a temporary SIN.

Why study in Canada?

In recent decades, Canada has become a hotbed for international students, with hundreds of thousands migrating to study at Canadian universities each year. Among other advantages, the quality of education, Canada's safety and stability, the competitive rate of the Canadian dollar, and the country's multicultural society have all been key reasons for many students choosing to study and even settle in Canada long-term.

After completing their studies and obtaining their Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), Canadian students have access to a variety of immigration programmes and pathways, including Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec-specific programmes, and others.