Comprehensive Guide To Student Direct Stream (SDS) And Study Permit Application In Canada

In Canada, there is the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which makes fast decisions for study permit applications and usually takes twenty calendar days to process. To obtain relevant conditions, applicants have to meet particular legal requirements, such as providing biometrics at once and qualifying for the conditions. 

Starting from January 22, 2024, most students who first apply through SDS will be required to present a provincial attestation letter (PAL) to meet the provincial study demand. As mentioned, a study permit is distinguished from a visa; often, additional permissions, including the tourist visa or eTA, may be needed for entry into Canada and might be issued together with the study permit.

Specific Eligibility Requirements For Student Direct Stream 

For applicants from the eligible nation, there is the student direct write-in, which requires a provincial attestation letter, acceptance at a DLI including tuition fee payment, other documents may be the GIC, Quebec Acceptance Certificate, and any other documents needed for an applicant to study in a province or territory of Canada. Here is a breakdown of the structure of SDS eligibility criteria as per the Canadian Government for International Students:

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) Requirements 

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a safe Canadian investment option that offers a guaranteed rate of return over a certain time period. It is necessary for students enrolling through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) since it offers financial stability by distributing monies in stages upon arrival in Canada, subject to identification verification.

Confirmation Of GIC purchase:        

• Letter of attestation                               

• GIC certificate                                    

• Investment Directions Confirmation                  

• Investment Balance Confirmation                     

• Identity confirmation before fund release            

Fund disbursement Upon Arrival In Canada:

• Initial lump sum upon identity confirmation        

• Remainder in monthly or bi-monthly installments 

• Duration: 10 to 12 months                           

• GIC must be held in an investment or student account 

Medical And Police Certificate Criteria In SDS

When applying for a study visa through Canada's Student Direct Stream, it is critical to understand the medical exam and police certificate criteria. Depending on your nation of residency and individual circumstances, these papers may be required for accelerated processing, resulting in a smooth application procedure and prompt conclusion.

Medical Exams

• This is required if you have lived or visited in specified countries for more than six months or have certain study/work intentions.

• It must be performed by an IRCC-approved clinician.

• Required for speedier processing under the Student Direct Stream (SDS), if applicable.                 

Police Certificates

• Check visa office guidelines for criteria specific to your country of residency.

• The instructions clarify whether a police certificate is required for your study permit application.

• Ensure all relevant paperwork is submitted according to your visa office's guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide For Applying through Student Direct Stream 

It is important to note that the following guidelines apply after applying for a study permit through the student direct stream.

What To Do After Applying?

Here's what you need to do after applying for SDS.

Step 1: Giving Biometrics

• Make biometric payments whenever you apply for further information on the process. |

• Within 30 working days, you should take the originals of the letter of instruction and valid passport to a bio-metric appointment.

Step 2: High CO AB: Processing Study Permit                                

• If SDS parameters are complied with, most raw food applications are decided within 20 calendar days following the biometrics date. 

• Applications were screened when applicants did not meet the eligibility criteria for a student visa but were considered under normal study permit review durations. 

Step 3: Approval Notification                                      

• Obtain the Letter of Introduction for the port of entry and electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa for the visit to the country if necessary. 

• Information was given for eTA, and a visa is required for passport usability. 

Step 4: Receiving Study Permit                   

• Arrange for a study permit by fulfilling the entry requirements while entering the country. 

• Make sure the passport is valid for the same length of time as the study permit; renew the passport if it will expire while the permit is still valid. 

Step 5: Acceptable cards

• Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB/China UnionPay (Singapore only, online application), and Visa Debit. 

• Prepaid cards accepted for payment should be retained by the employer for 18 months after the payment was made in case of any refunds. 

Conclusion

Canada’s Study Permit stream, known as SDS, will enable the fast-track application processing for study permits within 20 days. These are key requirements that any applicant must meet, and they include biometrics and the provincial attestation letters. This comes up when distinguishing between a study permit and a visa thus, it calls for proper documentation, such as proof of payment of tuition fees and medical certificates. 

This makes the application process easy and ensures that one is ready to study in Canada when following these guidelines. Those who do not meet the criteria to be considered for an SDS also need to undergo standard processing, with non-SDS requirements for residency and supporting documents to be met as well.