SDS Visa Canada: A Complete Guide to the Student Direct Stream

By Emily WilsonLast Updated April 13, 2025

What’s the SDS visa Canada (student direct stream )

The student direct stream (SDS) is an expedite study permit processing program offer by immigration, refugees and citizenship Canada (IRCC). Launch in 2018, the SDS program aim to help students from specific countries obtain their Canadian study permit more rapidly and expeditiously.

Unlike the regular study permit application process, which can take several months, the SDS program promises faster processing times â€” oftentimes within 20 calendar days for complete applications. This streamlined approach has makeCanadaaan flush more attractive destination for international students seek quality education overseas.

Countries eligible for the SDS program

The SDS program is presently available to legal residents 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

IRCC sporadically review and update this list, so it’s advisable to check the official IRCC website for the near current information before apply.

Key requirements for SDS visa Canada

To qualify for the SDS program, applicants must meet several specific requirements:

Educational requirements

You must have:

An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (dDLI)in caCanada
Proof of registration and tuition payment for your first year of studies
A post secondary education plan that lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate

Language proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate English or French language skill with:

An IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speak, listen )
Or a TEF score that show equivalent proficiency in French

These test results must be less than two years old on the date of application.

Financial requirements

The financial requirements for SDS applications are more stringent than regular study permits:

Purchase of a guaranteed investment certificate (ggig)of cad $ $1000 from an eligible canCanadiannancial institution
Proof of tuition payment for the first year of studies
Evidence that you have gigic that will provide you with ca$1010,000 for living expenses

Medical examination

All SDS applicants must undergo a medical examination before submit their application. This examination must be conduct by an IRCC approve physician.

Biometrics

Most applicants need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo )as part of their application process. YoYou willeceive instructions after will submit your application.

SDS vs. Regular study permit: key differences

Understand the differences between the SDS program and the regular study permit application can help you choose the right pathway:

Processing time

SDS:

Typically, process within 20 calendar days( for complete applications)
Regular study permit:

Processing times vary by country, range from 4 weeks to 16 weeks or longer

Financial requirements

SDS:

Require a gig of cad $10,000 from an aapprovalCanadian financial institution
Regular study permit:

More flexible proof of funds options, but stock still must demonstrate sufficient financial support

Language testing

SDS:

Mandatory IELTS / TEF with minimum scores require
Regular study permit:

Language testing may not be explicitly require but may strengthen your application

Eligibility

SDS:

Limited to residents of specific countries
Regular study permit:

Available to applicants from all countries

How to apply for a sSDSvisa cCanada

The application process for the SDS program involve several steps:

Step 1: confirm your eligibility

Before start your application, verify that:

You are a legal resident of an eligible country
You have an acceptance letter from a DLI
You meet all the SDS requirements

Step 2: complete language testing

Schedule and complete your IELTS or TEF exam, ensure you achieve the minimum require scores.

Step 3: secure financial requirements

Purchase a gig from an approvalCanadiann financial institution. Popular options include:

Scotiabank
ICICI Bank Canada
Bank of Montreal (bBMO)
Canadian imperial bank of commerce (cCIBC)
Royal Bank of Canada (rRBC)

Step 4: pay first year tuition

Make the tuition payment for your first year of studies to your DLI and obtain an official receipt.

Step 5: complete medical examination

Schedule and complete your medical examination with an IRCC approve physician.

Step 6: prepare your application package

Gather all require documents, include:

Complete application forms
Letter of acceptance from your DLI
Proof of gig purchase
Tuition payment receipt
Language test results
Valid passport
Medical examination results
Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications

Step 7: submit your application

Submit your application online through the iIRCCportal. Pay the application fee and biometric fee if applicable.

Step 8: provide biometrics

After submission, you will receive instructions on where and when to will provide your biometrics.

Processing times and approval rates

The SDS program has importantly improve processing times for study permits from eligible countries:

Standard processing time

While IRCC aim to process SDS applications within 20 calendar days, actual processing times may vary base on application volumes and completeness. During peak seasons (may august and nNovemberdDecember) slight delays may occur.

Approval rates

SDS applications mostly have higher approval rates compare to regular study permit applications. This is mostly due to the standardized requirements and pre-qualification of applicants through financial and language criteria.

Recent data show approval rates for SDS applications oftentimes exceed 90 % for near eligible countries, compare to 60 80 % for regular study permit applications.

Common reasons for SDS visa rejection

Despite the higher approval rates, some SDS applications are rejected. Common reasons include:

Incomplete documentation:

Miss or improperly complete forms
Insufficient funds:

Gig not meet the requirement amount or purchase from non approve institutions
Language test scores:

Fail to meet the minimum require scores
Study plan concerns:

Unconvincing explanation of educational goals or choice of program
Immigration history:

Previous visa rejections or immigration violations
Misrepresentation:

Provide false information or documents

Tips for a successful SDS application

To maximize your chances of approval:

Start betimes

Begin the application process at least 3 4 months before your intended start date to allow for any unforeseen delays.

Prepare a strong study plan

Clear articulate why you’ve chosen your specific program and institution, how it aligns with your previous education, and your future career goals in your home country.

Maintain financial transparency

Ensure all financial documents are clear, consistent, and traceable. Unexplained large deposits briefly before application may raise concerns.

Be thorough with documentation

Double check all documents for accuracy and completeness. Consider use IRCC’s document checklist to ensure nothing is miss.

Prepare for the interview

Some applicants may be call for an interview. Be prepared to discuss your study plans, financial situation, and ties to your home country confidently.

After SDS approval: next steps

Once your SDS application is approved:

Receive your letter of introduction

IRCC will issue a letter of introduction will confirm your study permit approval. You will need to will present this at the port of entry when you’ll arrive in canCanada

Arrange travel

Book your flights to Canada, keep in mind that you can typically enter Canada up to one month before your program start.

Prepare for arrival

Arrange accommodation, pack appropriate clothing for Canadian weather, and ensure you have all necessary documents for entry.

At the port of entry

Upon arrival in Canada, will present your letter of introduction, passport, and will support documents to the border services officer, who will issue your actual study permit.

Maintain your status in Canada

To maintain your status as a student in Canada:

Remain enrol and actively pursue your studies at a DLI
Maintain full-time student status during academic sessions
Ensure your study permit remain valid
Apply for renewals advantageously before expiration
Comply with the conditions list on your study permit

Post graduation opportunities

After complete your studies in Canada, several opportunities may be available:

Post graduation work permit (pGWP))

The GWP allow graduates from eligible cCanadianpost secondary institutions to work in cCanadafor up to three years, depend on the length of their study program.

Canadian experience class (cCEC)

After gain Canadian work experience, you may qualify for permanent residence through the Canadian experience class under the express entry system.

Provincial nominee programs

Many provinces have immigration streams specifically for international graduates from their institutions.

Often ask questions about SDS visa Canada

Can I apply for SDS if I’m not from an eligible country?

No, exclusively legal residents of the designate countries can apply through the SDS program. Other applicants must use the regular study permit application process.

Can I work while study with a sSDSvisa?

Yes, the work privileges are the same as with a regular study permit. You can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks.

What happens if mySDSs application is reject?

If your SDS application is rejected, you can either address the reasons for rejection and reapply, or apply through the regular study permit stream. You may too have the option to appeal the decision in some cases.

Can I include my spouse or children in my SDS application?

The SDS program is for student applicants exclusively. Notwithstanding, east approve, you can sponsor your spouse for an open work permit and your children for study permits if they’re school age.

Can I transfer my SDS to another institution after arrive in Canada?

Yes, but you must notify IRCC of any changes to your study situation. Significant changes may require a new study permit.

Conclusion

The student direct stream representsCanadaa’s commitment to attract qualified international students through an efficient, transparent application process. With its expedite processing times and straightforward requirements, theSDSs program has become the preferred pathway for eligible students seek to study inCanadaa.

By understand the specific requirements and prepare a thorough application, prospective students can importantly increase their chances of approval and begin their Canadian educational journey with confidence. The investment in meet SDS criteria much pay off not equitable in faster processing, but in open doors to Canada’s world-class education system and potential immigration opportunities in the future.