Know everything about Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada

The Student Direct Stream in Canada, often known as SDS Canada, expedites the processing of study permits for eligible overseas students. The majority of SDS applications are processed in less than 20 days.

What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?             

A DLI is a university, school, or college that has been approved by a provincial or territorial authority to accept international students. DLI includes all public universities, colleges, and significant private universities and colleges in Canada. So, if you are asking for a study permit, you'll need a letter of acceptance from a DLI.

You should be aware that only DLIs are permitted to recruit overseas students; non-DLIs are not permitted to admit international students. Also, please keep in mind that DLI does not automatically qualify you for a post-study work permit.

What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?

A GIC is a Canadian investment that offers a fixed rate of return over a set length of time. To put it simply, if you are an Indian student interested in studying in Canada, you must open a Canadian bank account online with one of the recognized banks. Until your account is established, the bank will hold your GIC in a student or investment account that you will only be able to access once you arrive in Canada.

It will disburse your amount only after confirming your identity when you arrive in the country. While you can receive a lump sum payment when you arrive, the remainder is delivered monthly or bi-monthly for 10-12 months.

Remember that the bank from where you acquire your GIC must supply at least one of the documents verifying your purchase i.e., GIC certificate/letter of attestation, investment balance, or directions confirmation.

Every GIC is verified by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada), removing the chance of financial document fraud. Under SDS, no extra financial documents are required to demonstrate to the IRCC, that the student has sufficient finances to cover their tuition and living expenses.

Banks that offer GIC in India are ICICI, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), SBI Canada, Scotiabank, and HSBC Bank of Canada.

Please keep in mind that all SDS applications must be filed online.

Can you apply with your family under SDS Canada?

Yes. When you apply through SDS Canada, you may bring your spouse, partner, and dependent children with you. They may also be eligible for expedited processing when applying for work permits, study permits, or guest visas. All members of the family must complete and submit their applications at the same time. 

If international students wish to stay in Canada, Canada makes it simple for them to become permanent citizens.

The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows overseas students to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after they graduate. International graduates may be eligible to seek Canadian permanent residency after working in Canada for one year.

Important points to keep in mind while planning your Canada study visa under the SDS scheme:

• The SDS does not replace IRCC's ordinary study permit, but it is simply an expedited route. If a student applies for the SDS but does not qualify, their application will be processed in accordance with the standard procedure.

• The administration aims to extend the SDS in the next five years. This expansion will include a new application service focused on offering a unified and streamlined experience for international students. In a nutshell, you will be able to apply for a study permit, a temporary resident visa, and a work permit for a co-op term all in one place.

• Other English language competence exams are not recognized under the new SDS category, thus you must produce confirmation of your IELTS exam.