The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is faster and more efficient application process for applying Canadian study visa. The SDS program currently serves residents of seven countries (China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Vietnam, Antigua & Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago). IRCC aims to process SDS study permit applications in 20 calendar days.

SDS Program Requirements

For a Canadian study permit through the SDS program, prospective applicants must be/ have:

• A resident of one of the listed countries in Asia or Africa.
  
• A letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
  
• A confirmation document for the applicant’s upfront medical exam.
  
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 CAD.
• Payment proof of the tuition fees for the first year of study.
  
• Show proof that they either completed studies at a Canadian curriculum high school or show proof of a language test results demonstrating an IELTS score of 6 in English or NCLC 7 for French.
  
• Submit the application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
  

Approved applications will be issued a letter of introduction (officially known as a Point of Entry letter of introduction) and a temporary resident visa to enter Canada. The letter of introduction, or Point of Entry (POE) letter, is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as proof of approval for a study permit and is presented to a visa officer upon arrival in Canada. Citizens of one of the countries listed above cannot be residing in another country at the time of applying for a study permit through the SDS program.

What is Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) ?

A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. It is offered by many banks, however, to do so banks must meet the following criteria:

• Confirmation that you bought a GIC by giving you 1 of the following:
  
  • A letter of attestation
  • A GIC certificate
  • An Investment Directions Confirmation or
  • An Investment Balance Confirmation
• Hold the GIC in an investment account or a student account that you cannot access until you arrive in Canada.
  

Once you arrive in Canada, you will receive a portion of your GIC. The rest will be paid out to you over the next 10 to 12 months.

Where to get GIC ?

GIC can be obtained from a financial institution that meets the criteria for Student Direct Stream. The following financial institutions offer GICs that meet the benchmarks:

• Bank of Beijing
  
• Bank of China
  
• Bank of Montreal
  
• Bank of Xian Co. Ltd.
  
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
  
• Desjardins
  
• Habib Canadian Bank
  
• HSBC Bank of Canada
  
• ICICI Bank
  
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
• RBC Royal Bank
  
• SBI Canada Bank
  
• Scotiabank
  

Advantages of applying through Student Direct Stream

Faster study permit processing times (14 calendar days). IRCC says through the SDS program complete applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received. If an application does not meet the requirements for the SDS program, IRCC will process the submission as a regular study permit application.

How GSP Immigration Can Help ?

Canada is not just a preferred choice by students for pursuing world class education but also offers an exciting opportunity to experience life and lessons beyond their front door. GSP assist its clients throughout their immigration journey starting from obtaining a study permit to settling in Canada.

Program Selection

One of the most important considerations of your study permit application is program choice. Each study program has different set of requirements. We help clients in opting suitable courses and/or programs based on their educational background, work experience, interest, and long-term goals.

Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Upon choosing a program, we help clients in obtaining a letter of acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) which is mandatory to apply for a study permit.

Apply for a Study Permit

After receiving the acceptance letter, we prepare and submit the student visa application on behalf of our clients to Canadian immigration.

Pre-arrival services

As every case is different, it is always beneficial to consult with a student-visa expert. We at GSP, with our pre-arrival services, enable our clients to prepare themselves for their journey ahead in Canada. Below are some of the services that we provide considering their short-term and long-term goals:

• Recommend an appropriate program to apply, based on your current educational status and aspirations, and check your eligibility.
  
• Check all the requirements for the study program such as minimum qualification, IELTS score etc.
• Verify the cost of living and tuition fees based on the province/city and study program.
  
• Prepare your application and advise you on the documentation and format for hassle free application processing.
  
• Review the application with attention to minute details.
  
• Check that your acceptance letter is from a designated learning institution.
  
• Assess whether the chosen study program awards you with open work permit.
  
• Analyze the value addition of chosen study program in your immigration journey.
  
• Look out for future employment opportunities in the job market.
  
• Evaluate points that your study program will add to your Express Entry/PNP application.

Post-arrival services

We assist our clients who aspire to settle and work in Canada through our immigration services such as SP extension, Open Work Permit of Spouse, parents’ visitor visa, PNP and PR etc.