Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a significant expansion of the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a fast-track study permit program that processes applications within 20 days for eligible students.
Effective July 1, 2026, students from Morocco, Senegal, Nepal, Vietnam, Ghana, and Pakistan will be eligible to apply through SDS, joining existing eligible countries including India, China, the Philippines, and several others.
SDS Requirements
To qualify for the Student Direct Stream, applicants must:
- Have a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least CAD $10,000
- Have paid the first year of tuition
- Achieve a minimum language score (IELTS 6.0 overall or TEF equivalent)
- Have a medical exam completed
Processing Time Improvement
The SDS program typically processes applications within 20 calendar days, compared to several months for regular study permit applications. This expansion is expected to benefit tens of thousands of additional students annually.