SDS Canada 2025-26: Requirements, Countries, Success Rate, Documents

Canada SDS Programme Latest News 2025

• The Canadian immigration authorities have officially announced the discontinuation of the student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme for international students, effective November 8, 2024. Following this date, all applications submitted to the Canadian government are processed under the standard Canada study permit stream rather than the SDS.

What is SDS Canada?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program offered by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that speeds up the processing of study permits for international students from selected countries. The initiative allows qualifying students to acquire their study permits in 20 calendar days, which is much quicker than the standard processing time frame of three months or more.

Student Direct Stream Canada Countries

14 countries can apply through SDS. These countries were chosen due to the huge amount of study permit applications and their strong connections with Canada. As per the most recent modifications, students from the following countries are eligible to apply through the SDS:

1. Antigua and Barbuda

2. Brazil

3. China

4. Colombia

5. Costa Rica

6. India

7. Morocco

8. Pakistan

9. Peru

10. Philippines

11. Senegal

12. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

13. Trinidad and Tobago

14. Vietnam

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SDS Canada Eligibility Criteria 2025

Candidates planning to apply through SDS must be from one of the above-listed countries. To be considered for SDS, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. They must have a valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.

2. Candidates must submit proof of English or French language proficiency with minimum scores.

3. They are also required to provide proof of purchasing a GIC of CAD 10,000 from a participating Canadian financial institution.

4. Proof of full payment for the first year of tuition.

5. They must have the most recent secondary or post-secondary transcripts.

6. Students are required to provide proof of completion of a medical examination (if required).

7. Have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your studies in Canada. This is typically demonstrated through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).

SDS Canada Requirements 2025: Documents

Candidates are required to prepare and submit the following documents to meet Canada SDS requirements and complete the application process:

• Acceptance Letter

• Proof of GIC

• Proof of Tuition Payment

• IELTS or TEF scores

• Latest academic transcripts or academic records

• A valid passport

• Recent passport-sized photographs

• Medical Examination Report

• A brief statement of the reasons for choosing the particular course and university

The SDS visa processing time 2025 application will be approximately 20 days. For the non-SDS programs, the same as standard processing times that is approximately 7 weeks.

How to Apply to Student Direct Stream?

Students applying through the student direct stream must follow the following steps:

• Candidates must ensure that they meet all the SDS eligibility criteria.

• Gather and submit all the required documents.

• Then fill out the study permit application form available on the IRCC website.

• Create an account on the IRCC portal, and register.

• upload the required documents, and submit your application.

• Submit biometrics, if required.

• Pay the application processing fee (CAD 150).

• Wait for the processing of SDS, which usually takes 20 calendar days.

Biometric fees for Canada

Note: Applicants are required to have a scanner or camera to submit electronic copies of their documents. Payment can only be made through credit cards and prepaid cards. Debit cards are not accepted for online applications.

Read more: Admission cycle in Canada

Languages Accepted for SDS Canada

For language proficiency, SDS accepts English and French language tests. Candidates must take the in person tests, online tests will not be accepted. The minimum score requirements for language proficiency are mentioned below:

SDS Canada Language Proficiency 2025

Note: According to IRCC IELTS update, all applications after August 10, 2023, candidates will only need an overall band score of 6.0 on the IELTS Academic test if applying for SDS Canada visa.

Also Read: Intakes in Canada

What is DLI?

DLI stands for Designated Learning Institution, which is a provincial or territorial government-approved institution that accepts international students. Only those who have received an acceptance letter from a DLI are eligible for a SDS visa Canada. DLI include universities, colleges, and other institutions that meet the educational standards of Canada.

What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?

Canadian financial institutions issue Guaranteed Investment Certificates also known as GIC. These are secure investments that guarantee a return over a fixed period. Banks offer different types of GIC. The bank that provides the GIC must ensure that the candidate bought a GIC by giving them 1 of the following:

• A letter of attestation

• A GIC certificate

• An Investment Directions Confirmation or

• An Investment Balance Confirmation

Banks must verify the identity of individuals before providing funds to them. They must release the funds by providing a small lump sum amount after arriving in Canada. The rest amount will be paid in monthly instalments over the next 10 to 12 months.

Note: If your bank or GIC does not fulfil these requirements, you will be unable to apply through the Student Direct Stream.

From Where to Get GIC?

Students can obtain a GIC from any financial institution listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website. Candidates must ensure that the bank chosen by them has a GIC and meets the Student Direct Stream requirements. The following financial institutions provide GIC:

• Bank of China (Canada)

• Bank of Montreal

• Bank of Nova Scotia

• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

• Fédération des caisses Desjardins du QuébecFootnote1

• Habib Canadian Bank

• ICICI Bank Canada

• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Canada)

• National Bank of Canada

• Royal Bank of Canada

• SBI Canada Bank

• Shinhan Bank Canada

• The Toronto-Dominion Bank

Benefits of SDS Canada

The primary benefit of SDS Canada is the faster processing time, as it usually takes 20 business days for a study permit. Through these students can study in Canada earlier than expected. Other benefits of SDS program Canada are mentioned below:

1. SDS provides clear guidelines, requirements and needed documentation, which has simplified the application process.

2. The requirement of GIC shows that students have sufficient funds to continue their education in Canada.

3. They are provided access to resources and support from Canadian universities and financial institutions.

4. Studying in Canada through SDS can also be helpful for students looking for PR in Canada after studies.

SDS and Non-SDS Difference

Also read: Benefits of Studying in Canada