What is Student Direct Stream (SDS) in Canada?

To streamline and expedite the lengthy visa process, the Canadian government introduced the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Canada is and has been a popular destination for international students due to their study abroad culture and because of the clear fact that the country has some highly ranked institutions, which can also be confirmed by the QS world university rankings 2025. These range from University of Northern British Columbia, Seneca college, Langara and many others following the list. Indian students aspire to study and carve a successful career in Canada.

A big jolt to the Indian student aspirations as the Canadian government has decided to discontinue the student direct scheme (SDS Canada) initiative which now results in ending the faster processing for international students from specific countries which also includes India.

Countries Covered Under The Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The 14 countries which are covered under the SDS (Student Direct Stream) Category includes:

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

What is Student Direct Stream?

In simpler terms the Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit application process for international students to study in Canada. Introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) the SDS is designed to streamline the visa application process for students from certain countries with a history of high application volumes and strong academic and financial support profiles.

Key Features of SDS Program:

• Faster Processing Times – The SDS applications are usually processed within 20 calendar days, which is much faster than regular study permit applications.
• Requirements for SDS are:
  • Acceptance Letter: Students must have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): Includes proof of purchasing a GIC worth CAS 10,000 or more from a participating Canadian bank to cover living expenses.
  • Tuition Payment: Proof of having paid the first year’s tuition.
  • Language Proficiency: IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, listening) or an equivalent score in other accepted tests.
  • Medical Exam: Completion of medical exam (if required based on the country of residence)
  • Additional Documents: A valid passport, digital photo, biometrics (if required) and other documents as specified by the IRCC based in the applicant’s country of origin.

Advantages of SDS for students

• The SDS applications are processed within 20 calendar days, which is faster than the standard study permit process which can take months for processing and has a low acceptability rate.
• Streamlined Financial Proof: With GIC and tuition payments, the process is simplified compared to regular applications that require more extensive financial documentation.
• Easier Access to Canadian Banking: By purchasing a GIC through a Canadian bank, students get early access to a Canadian financial account, which helps them manage their funds and establish credit history in Canada.
• Support to Transition and Settlement: Completing the medical exam and biometric requirements upfront under SDS helps students smoothly transition into Canada, as these prerequisites speed up the integration process once they arrive.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Studying in Canada under the SDS program often aligns with pathways to Canadian PR. Completing studies at a Canadian institution can open doors to post-graduate work permits (PGWP) and PR programs, making SDS an appealing choice for students considering long-term settlement.
• Availability of Post Secondary Work Opportunities: Studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, as required by SDS, allows students to take advantage of part-time work opportunities, internships, and co-op programs, helping them gain Canadian work experience during their studies.

Student Direct Stream Visa

Changes that would have been taken place if the student direct steam visa program would have continued by the Canadian government which would involve several potential changes and improvements to be anticipated in the coming years to enhance the accessibility, efficiency and support for international students, including:

1. Expansion of Eligible Countries: Canada may further expand SDS eligibility to include more countries. This would enable students from additional regions to benefit from the streamlined visa process, addressing growing demand from international students and diversifying the applicant tool.
2. Wider Range of Accepted Language Test: Currently IELTS, is the primary language test accepted for SDS. However, Canada may consider expanding to other English proficiency tests (such as TOEFL, PTE academic) or even French tests like TEF or TCF to allow more flexibility for students especially as the demand for bilingual talent in Canada grows.
3. Adjustments to Financial Requirements: The Guaranteed Investment Certificate amount or first year tuition payment requirement may be adjusted to reflect changes and rising costs of living in Canada. This change would ensure that students have adequate financial resources to support themselves upon arrival.
4. Inclusion to Digital Document Processing: Canada is investing in digital solutions for visa processing, which could make the SDS process even faster and more accessible. We may see improvements like automated document verification, digital medical records integration and AI based application reviews to shorten processing times further.
5. Streamlined Pathways for Post Graduation Work Permits (PGWP): The SDS could be linked more directly to Canada’s immigration pathways, potentially providing a streamlined path from study permits to work permits and eventually residency. The change would make SDS more appealing to students interested in long term settlement.
6. More Comprehensive Health and Settlement Services: The SDS could integrate additional resources or partnerships with local institutions to provide orientation, health, and settlement services for international students. This could include mandatory orientation programs and support networks to help students adjust to life in Canada.

Why Choose Global Opportunities?

Global Opportunities is a premier study abroad consultants which has been in the study abroad business for the last 23+ years. We help students shortlist the best Canadian university according to their profile and provide end to end Canadian study visa services.

For more information on how to apply to universities in Canada contact, Global Opportunities on +91 8282828215 or email us at info@global-opportunities.net

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an invaluable pathway for Indian students aspiring to study in Canada. With its faster processing times, simplified financial requirements, and streamlined application process, SDS offers a hassle-free experience that enables students to focus on preparing for their academic journey. The program’s structured requirements, including the GIC and language proficiency standards, reassure Canadian authorities of applicants’ commitment and readiness for life abroad. Additionally, the SDS not only provides opportunities to a world-class education in Canada but also provides a potential foundation for work opportunities and long-term settlement pathways, making it a well-rounded choice for Indian students who wish to establish themselves in Canada. If the SDS opens again it is sure to evolve in the future, and will remain a promising and strategic option for students to achieve their educational and career goals in a supportive and globally recognized environment.

FAQs

SDS full form Canada?

The SDS full form Canada is the student direct stream. It helps to speed up the process for study permits for international students.

What is the latest news for SDS Canada for Indian students?

The latest news for SDS Canada for Indian students is that if the last date of your application was November 8th, 2024 before 2 PM then you will still be considered under the SDS Canada. All the others applying after that are eligible for normal student student permit processing.

Is SDS visa faster?

As per the SDS program, that was introduced in the year 2018 allowed students from specific countries to apply for study permits with a shorter processing time, usually within 20 business days.