Visa Process and Requirements

 

International students are required to acquire a Study Permit before going to Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is taking great efforts in promoting Canada as a destination to study for international students seeking a quality education by finding efficient ways to process applications. To support the growth in study permit applications, IRCC launched the Student Direct Stream Canada (SDS) program on 7th June 2018 which streamlines the process for Indian students to study at Universities and Colleges in Canada.

 

SDS Program Requirements:

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Students applying for a program under SDS must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Admission to a full-time program at a University, College, Institute or CEGEP which is a Designated Learning Institution.

• An IELTS score of 6 overall with a minimum band of 6 for each ability (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) as well, taken within past two years.

• Purchase of a special Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000 to cover living expenses for the first year of stay in Canada.

• Proof of payment of the tuition fee for one year.

• Upfront medical examination at least one week before submission of the visa application.

• All visa applications must be filed online electronically.

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Advantages of applying under SDS:

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• Streamlined visa process.

• Minimal financial documentation.

• Faster visa processing and outcomes with standard turn around time of 20 calendar days or less after submission of complete visa application and biometrics.

Students who don’t meet the requirements of SDS may file their visa under General Category. Processing time for General Category visas range from 45 to 60 days. We strongly recommend that students submit their application at least three months ahead of proposed date of travel.

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