April 10th, 2024 at 02:08 am

Study in Canada: Complete Guide for Canada Student Direct Stream in 2024

Recent modifications to the study permit application process have an impact on a large number of candidates who want to apply in 2024 for accelerated processing via the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented these modifications to improve the integrity of Canada’s program for international students.

This is a comprehensive how-to guide for applying to the SDS program for a study permit in Canada.

1. Ascertain whether you qualify for the SDS

Through Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS), international students who are lawful citizens of the following nations may be able to expedite the application process for a study permit:

• Pakistan
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vietnam
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Brazil
• China
• Peru
• Philippines
• Senegal
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• India
• Morocco

The IRCC may approve SDS permit applications from the nations on the list in 20 calendar days. On the other hand, applicants from outside of Canada who are not qualified for the SDS should expect their applications to be processed within 10 weeks (the IRCC specifies these dates).

2. Obtain an Acceptance Letter

Applying to the Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) of your choice and waiting to hear from them about a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is a crucial first step. The only Canadian schools that can accept foreign students are DLIs. On its official website, the IRCC lists DLIs.

3. Compile your paperwork

You must submit supporting documentation to IRCC with your SDS application, such as:

• A duplicate acceptance letter from a designated learning institution in Canada (DLI)
• A confirmation of your initial medical examination, if appropriate.
• Obtain a police certificate, if necessary, before applying. Evidence that you have paid for your trip expenses
• Evidence that you have paid your first year’s tuition
• Evidence of passing your language exam within two years of submitting your SDS application Evidence that you have been issued a CAD 20,635 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
• A copy of a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), if applicable
• Possess the transcript(s) from your most recent secondary or post-secondary education.
• Obtain an official copy of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration if you plan to study there.

A comprehensive collection of documents is available on the IRCC’s official website. The most recent information can be found by checking this list.

4. Obtaining a Letter of Provincial Attestation

To make sure that designated learning institutions (DLIs) do not admit more international students than they can accommodate, the IRCC has implemented the requirement for Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs). Provinces were given until March 31, 2024, to put in place a mechanism for issuing the PALs, after the need was imposed on January 22, 2024.

Notably, PALs are not required as part of SDS applications for applicants to master’s or PhD programs, elementary or secondary education, or primary or secondary schools. The process for obtaining a PAL may vary based on the location of your DLI. Every province in Canada will design its system.

5. Get evidence by opening a GIC

You must certify that you purchased an International Student GIC for $20,635 as part of your SDS study permit application. A GIC is a Canadian investment instrument with a guaranteed rate of return for the period of your investment. This money will be withheld from you until you travel to Canada, at which point it will be delivered to you in the form of an initial lump sum payment upon your arrival and subsequent regular installments covering the remaining balance for the next ten to twelve months.

Through a straightforward online application, you can open a TD Student Chequing Account and a TD International Student GIC, which helps you fulfill this study permit need. You can begin collecting interest at a competitive rate even before you travel to Canada, and there are no application fees.

Visit one of TD’s 1,000+ branches when you arrive in Canada to activate your account and receive even more exclusive deals and advantages.

6. Submit your application

You are prepared to submit your application to IRCC once you have obtained your documentation and been accepted into a Canadian DLI. You will receive a letter of introduction (sometimes called a Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction) and, if necessary, an electronic travel authorization or temporary resident visa upon approval of your application.

This letter serves as confirmation that your application for a study visa has been granted when you meet with the Canadian immigration official in Canada. It’s time to begin your journey as an international student in Canada and take advantage of all the fresh experiences this country has to offer as soon as your study permit is granted.