A step-by-step guide to apply for Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) program
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program is a fast-track pathway for international students from select countries to secure their Canadian study permit. If you’re eligible, SDS offers a streamlined process, ensuring you can begin your studies in Canada with minimal delay. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire SDS process, with key milestones and checkpoints you’ll need to meet. We’ll also highlight how MPOWER Financing can assist you throughout the process through our SDS loan program, from prefunding your tuition fees to setting up your Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
1. Eligibility requirements
The first step in your SDS journey is ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria. To qualify, you must:
-
- Be a legal resident of one of the following countries:
-
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
-
- Be a legal resident of one of the following countries:
-
- Have an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
- Live outside of Canada at the time of application
- Provide proof of the full tuition payment for your first year of study
- Hold a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for the required living expenses amount based on your province or territory of study
- Obtain a medical exam and police certificate if required
- Provide transcripts from your most recent educational institution
- Submit valid language test results (taken in-person, not online)
(for more details visit the IRCC SDS Page)
MPOWER support:
Through MPOWER’s SDS loan program, we’ll pre-fund your first-year tuition fees two months in advance and issue a fund confirmation letter. This letter can be used as proof of payment when you apply for your study permit, making this step easier for you to complete.
2. Proof of full tuition payment
One of the key milestones in the SDS process is providing proof of full payment for your first year of study. This can include one of the following:
-
- A receipt from your educational institution
- An official letter from the institution confirming payment
- Proof of a bank transfer to the school
3. Setting up a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a Canadian savings account that holds the funds required to support your living expenses while studying. You’ll need to show proof of a GIC of CAD$20,635 for most Canadian provinces (more details here) to meet the SDS criteria.
Your GIC will generally be held in an investment or student account and be released in installments over 10 to 12 months once you arrive in Canada. The bank must provide one of the following:
-
- A letter of attestation
- GIC certificate
- Investment Directions Confirmation
- Investment Balance Confirmation
MPOWER support:
We’ll guide you through the process of setting up a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $20,635 with a participating Canadian financial institution, fulfilling another essential SDS requirement.
4. Language test and other documentation
To qualify for the SDS, you must submit valid language test results, such as IELTS or TEF. Ensure your test scores meet the minimum requirements and are less than two years old.
Additionally, depending on your home country, you may need to provide a medical exam and police certificate. Completing these requirements ahead of time helps you benefit from faster processing times.
Milestone check:
Ensure all your documents are in order, including:
-
- Tuition payment proof
- GIC account details
- Valid language test scores
- Medical and police certificates (if applicable)
5. Submitting your application
Once you’ve gathered all the required documentation, submit your SDS application online. Make sure all your documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
The processing time for most SDS applications is approximately 20 calendar days, although some may take longer depending on individual circumstances. During this time, you’ll also be asked to provide biometrics at a local visa application center.
MPOWER support:
MPOWER will provide continuous support throughout this phase, helping ensure your financial documents are in order and you meet all SDS program requirements.
Apply to MPOWER’s SDS loan program before Nov. 15, 2024 to fulfill Canada’s SDS program requirements
6. Post-approval: Disbursement and study permit
Once your study permit has been approved, you can move forward with your plans to study in Canada. MPOWER will have already processed your first-year tuition payment.
MPOWER support:
MPOWER will send you a support letter confirming the tuition payment. This letter can be used as part of your visa application. Please note that, your first interest payment is due 30 days after your funds are disbursed, with interest accruing from the disbursement date.
On the fast track to your study permit
By following the steps above, you’ll be well on your way to securing your Canadian study permit through the SDS program. With MPOWER’s comprehensive support through its SDS loan program – from prefunding your tuition to assisting with your study permit – you can focus on your studies, knowing your finances are in good hands.
Be sure to check each milestone carefully and submit all the required documents promptly. The SDS program offers a faster path to your Canadian education, and MPOWER is here to help make that journey smoother for you.
Sign up for MPOWER’s SDS loan program today!
Apply before Nov. 15, 2024
