Are You Eligible for Canada's Student Direct Stream?

Students from more than a dozen countries around the world may be able to quickly receive a Canadian study permit.

Are you eager to study in Canada, and have the resources to do so? Do you meet all the eligibility requirements for a Canadian study permit, but you still need to get one? Over a dozen countries around the world have partnered with Canada in the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. Eligible students from these countries can receive a study permit in under three weeks!

Who can apply for the Student Direct Stream?

Only students who are legal residents of one of the following countries are eligible for the SDS. Even if you're a citizen of one of these countries, you'll need to be a legal resident to qualify.

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

What else will I need to apply?

It's not enough to be a resident of one of these countries: there are other requirements as well.

The major one is funding. You'll need to show proof that you've paid your first year's tuition at a college or university — what the government calls a designated learning institution. On top of that, you'll need to have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth at least $10,000 Canadian dollars. This isn't exactly easy. (Check out the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website for help finding a bank near you for your GIC.)

So far so good, anything else required?

There's a few more things to consider, too. You may require a medical exam or a police certificate, depending on your school. If you're studying in Quebec, you'll need a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec.

You'll also need to demonstrate your language skills in English or French. For English, you'll need an IELTS test with a score of at least 6.0 in each of the four skills. For French, you'll need a TEF test with a minimum score of 7 in each of the four skills.

Other documents may be required, too, depending on where you're coming from and what you're studying. Be aware that additional documents can slow down the processing your application, so be sure to get your biometric scanning done and gather any documents needed by the visa office to make your application process smooth.

Can I bring anyone with me to Canada?

Your immediate family — including your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children — may get a speed boost on visas and permits, too, but only if they apply at the same time as you do! When you're setting up your application, be sure to include your loved ones so they can apply alongside you.

How do I apply for the Student Direct Stream?

You must apply online! Visit the Immigration and Citizenship Canada website to choose your country of origin and get started with your SDS application.

I've applied! What's next?

You'll need to submit your biometrics (your fingerprints and photograph) and wait for SDS processing. If approved, you'll be contacted and given next steps, including using ArriveCAN to streamline your entry into Canada.

If all goes well, you could be studying at a Canadian college or university in less than a month! We look forward to seeing you here in Canada. Good luck!