The application process for a Canadian study permit has recently undergone changes, particularly impacting candidates applying for expedited processing through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in 2024. These adjustments, implemented by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aim to enhance the integrity of Canada’s international student program.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a study permit in Canada through the SDS program
1.Determine your eligibility for the SDS
Legal residents of the following countries may have the opportunity to expedite their study permit application through Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS):
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
SDS permit applicants from the listed countries may get their permit approved by IRCC in 20 calendar days. In contrast, those who are not eligible for the SDS have an expected processing time of 10 weeks for applications submitted from outside Canada (IRCC defines these timelines).
2. Get a Letter of Acceptance
An essential step is to apply to your desired Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and await confirmation of acceptance in the form of a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). DLIs are the sole educational institutions in Canada authorized to enroll international students. IRCC offers a list of DLIs on its official website
3. Gather your documents
As part of your SDS application, you must provide IRCC with supporting documents, including:
- A copy of a letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- If applicable, a confirmation of your upfront medical exam.
- If applicable, get a police certificate before you apply
- Proof that you have covered your travel costs;
- Proof that your tuition fees for the first year of study are paid;
- Proof of your language test results completed within two years of the SDS application being received;
- Proof that you have obtained a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635 CAD;
- If applicable, a copy of a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL);
- Have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s)
- If studying in Quebec, have an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
IRCC hosts a complete list of documents on their official website. Check this list for the most up to date information.
4. Getting a Provincial Attestation Letter
Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) are a new document required by IRCC to ensure that designated learning institutions (DLIs) do not exceed their capacity to support international students. This requirement was introduced on January 22, 2024, and provinces were given until March 31, 2024, to establish a system for issuing PALs.
Please note that applicants to master’s programs, PhD programs, primary school, or secondary school are exempt from requiring a PAL as part of their SDS application.
The process of obtaining a PAL may vary depending on the location of your DLI, as each Canadian province will develop its own system for issuing PALs.
5. Open a GIC and obtain proof
A GIC, or Guaranteed Investment Certificate, is a Canadian financial product offering a guaranteed rate of return for the duration of the investment term. As part of your SDS study permit application, you are required to provide proof of purchasing an International Student GIC worth $20,635. This amount will be held in your account until your arrival in Canada, whereupon it will be released to you through an initial lump sum payment, followed by regular installments of the remaining balance over the next 10 to 12 months.
The TD International Student GIC Program simplifies this requirement with a straightforward online application process. Through this program, you can open both a TD Student Chequing Account and a TD International Student GIC with ease. There are no application fees, and you can start earning competitive interest rates even before your arrival in Canada. Upon landing, you can visit any of TD’s 1,000+ branches to activate your account and access additional special offers and benefits
6. Submit your application
A GIC, or Guaranteed Investment Certificate, is a Canadian financial product offering a guaranteed rate of return for the duration of the investment term. As part of your SDS study permit application, you are required to provide proof of purchasing an International Student GIC worth $20,635. This amount will be held in your account until your arrival in Canada, whereupon it will be released to you through an initial lump sum payment, followed by regular installments of the remaining balance over the next 10 to 12 months.
The TD International Student GIC Program simplifies this requirement with a straightforward online application process. Through this program, you can open both a TD Student Chequing Account and a TD International Student GIC with ease. There are no application fees, and you can start earning competitive interest rates even before your arrival in Canada. Upon landing, you can visit any of TD’s 1,000+ branches to activate your account and access additional special offers and benefits
