The procedures for applying for a study permit in Canada have been modified, impacting several applicants who will apply for expedited processing via the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in 2024. The Student Direct Stream program is designed to streamline the application process for international students from certain countries, making it faster and more efficient.
These modifications were launched by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to boost the prestige of Canada’s foreign student program. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a study permit in Canada via the Student Direct Stream program.
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Specify Your Qualification For The Student Direct Stream
International students who are lawful residents of the nations below may have the prospect to fast-track their study permit request via Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS):
- Vietnam
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Brazil
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- China
- Senegal
- Colombia
- Philippines
- Costa Rica
- Peru
- Pakistan
- India
- Morocco
Student Direct Stream permit candidates from the mentioned nations may acquire their permit endorsed by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada in 20 calendar days. This is a significant advantage compared to the standard processing time of 10 weeks for non-SDS applicants from outside Canada.
Obtain An Acceptance Letter
One of the most crucial steps is to apply to your selected Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and eagerly await an acceptance letter. This letter is not just a formality but a critical document that paves the way for your journey as an international student in Canada. Designated Learning Institutions are the only institutions in Canada authorized to accept international students. Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada offers a list of DLIs on its official webpage.
Assemble Your Documents
As an aspect of your Student Direct Stream application, you are required to offer Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada with accompanying documents which have to do with the following:
- A copy of the acceptance letter from a Designated learning institution in Canada.
- If relevant, please verify your upfront medical test.
- If relevant, obtain a police certificate before making an application.
- Evidence that you have taken care of your travel expenses.
- Evidence that your tuition payments for the first year of study are reimbursed.
- Evidence of your language exam results concluded within 24 months of acquiring the Student Direct Stream application.
- Evidence that you have gotten a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635.
- If relevant, please provide a copy of a provincial attestation letter.
- Have your most current secondary or post-secondary school transcripts.
- If you are studying in Quebec, have an attestation of the provision of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministere de I’mmigration, de la Francisation et de I’integration.
Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) hosts a complete list of documents on its official webpage. This list has the most updated details.
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Obtaining A Provincial Attestation Letter
Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) are new documents Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada demands to ensure that assigned learning universities and colleges do not admit more international students than they can support. The condition was launched on January 22nd, 2024, and regions were provided until March 31st, 2024, to execute a structure for providing the provincial attestation letters. This letter is a confirmation from the province that they have reviewed and approved your study plan.
Note: Candidates for master’s, Ph.D., primary, or secondary education courses will not require provincial attestation letters as part of their Student Direct Stream request.
How you receive a provincial attestation letter may vary based on the location of your designated learning institution. Every province in Canada will develop its system.
Open A Guaranteed Investment Certificate And Get Evidence
A guaranteed investment certificate is a Canadian investment product that guarantees income for the duration of your investment. As part of your Student Direct Stream study permit request, you must offer evidence that you purchased a foreign student Guaranteed Investment Certificate of $20,635.
This sum will be kept in your account until you land in Canada. Upon landing, you will receive an initial huge sum reimbursement, followed by standard installments of the remaining balance over the next ten months to one year.
Present Your Application
When you have been admitted to a designated learning institution in Canada and assembled your documents, you are prepared to present your requests to Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada. This can be done online or by mail. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by IRCC and submit all the required documents.
If your request is endorsed, you will receive an introduction letter, which can also be described as a Port of Entry letter of introduction, and a temporary resident visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Canada, if needed. This letter is your official authorization to enter Canada as a student. Make sure to keep it safe and present it to the immigration officer when you arrive in Canada.
When you meet the immigration official in Canada, this letter will verify that you have been authorized for a study permit. Once your study permit is provided, it is time to begin your journey as an international student in Canada and enjoy every new experience Canada offers.
