TOLL FREE : 1-800-401-3797
Student Direct Stream
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
We try to process most SDS applications within 20 calendar days. However, some applications may take longer. To get faster processing, you must give your biometrics as soon as possible meet all the eligibility requirements
A study permit is not a visa and does not, by itself, allow you to travel to or enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If you do, we’ll issue your visitor visa or eTA with your study permit.
Eligibility requirements:
To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must: be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda
Brazil
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
India
Morocco
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Senegal
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Vietnam
have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution
live outside of Canada when you apply
have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study
have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000
have an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec.
get a medical exam before you apply (if you need one)
get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one)
have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
have a language test result that shows either:
An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening), or
A Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening)
Changes to language test requirements:
Starting August 10, 2023, government will accept language test results from additional organizations with your Student Direct Stream application. If you apply before this date, we’ll only accept the IELTS academic or general training or TEF language test results.
Depending on where you’re applying from, you may also need to provide other documents. Make sure you include all the documents required by the visa office that processes your application.
Proof of full payment of tuition for the applicant’s first year of study
This may be in the form of the following:
A receipt from the DLI
An official letter from the DLI confirming payment of tuition fees
A receipt from a bank showing that tuition fees have been paid to the DLI
Proof that the tuition fee amount has been transferred into a repository account at the DLI to be applied to the tuition bill at a later date
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. Many banks offer GICs. The bank that gives you the GIC must:
confirm that you bought a GIC by giving you 1 of the following:
a letter of attestation
a GIC certificate
an Investment Directions Confirmation or
an Investment Balance Confirmation
hold the GIC in an investment account or a student account that you can’t access until you arrive in Canada
make you confirm your identity before they release any funds to you
release the funds to you by providing an initial lump sum once you identify yourself upon arrival in Canada the remainder of the funds in monthly or bi-monthly installments over 10 to 12 months
If your bank or GIC doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to apply through the Student Direct Stream.
Financial institutions that offer GICs
You can get a GIC from a financial institution listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website. Make sure the financial institution you choose offers a GIC and meets the criteria for the Student Direct Stream.
The following financial institutions offer GICs that meet the criteria:
Bank of Beijing
Bank of China
Bank of Montreal (BMO)
Bank of Xian Co. Ltd.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
China Everbright Bank
DesjardinsFootnote1
Habib Canadian Bank
HSBC Bank of Canada
ICICI Bank
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
RBC Royal Bank
SBI Canada Bank
Scotiabank
Simplii Financial
TD Canada Trust
Medical exams and police certificates
Depending on where you’re applying from, you may need to get a medical exam or police certificate. To get faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must include these with your application (if you need them).
Who needs a medical exam?
You may need to get a medical exam if:
you lived or travelled in certain countries or territories for 6 or more months in the year before you come to Canada, or
you plan on studying or working in:
the health field
primary or secondary education, or
child or elder care
To get a medical exam, you must see a doctor that has been approved by IRCC.
Find out more about medical exams.
Who needs a police certificate?
Your visa office instructions will tell you if you need to get a police certificate. You’ll find these instructions when you select your country of residence below. Make sure you read these instructions before you apply, so you know if you need a police certificate or any other documents to apply.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and processes of the Program can change over time. Therefore, it's recommended to visit the official website of IRCC or consult us for the most up-to-date and accurate information before starting the application process.
Westland Immigration & Visa Services
Mr. Varinder Sharma (Director, MCom, Dip. Imm. Law), (RCIC), Member ICCRC
Cell: 1-778-988-8472
Office: +1-778-783-9991
Toll Free: 1-800-401-3797
Fax: 1-877-275-6880
E-Mail : Immigrate2west@gmail.com, westlandcanada@gmail.com