The study permit is a document IRCC issue that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada.
Your study permit is not a visa. It doesn’t let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If IRCC approves your study permit, IRCC will issue one to you with your study permit. You can fall under one of the two categories of the study permit application, depending on your situation. The two categories are:
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
IRCC tries to process most SDS applications within 20 calendar days. However, some applications may take longer. To know about the latest updates on the processing time of the applications, - Click Here
To be eligible for Student Direct Stream, you must:
Depending on where you’re applying from, you may need to get a medical exam or police certificate. To get faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must include these with your application (if you need them). If you don’t, IRCC won’t process your application faster.
If your application doesn’t meet the eligibility for the Student Direct Stream, IRCC will review it as a regular study permit (Non-SDS). You won’t get faster processing if this happens.
To find out whether you need a medical exam or not, - Click Here
To get a medical exam, you must see a doctor that has been approved by IRCC. To find a doctor approved by IRCC in your region, - Click Here
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. Many banks offer GICs. The bank that gives you the GIC must:
If your bank or GIC doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to apply through the Student Direct Stream.
Financial institutions that offer GICs -
You can get a GIC from a financial institution listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website. Make sure the financial institution you choose offers a GIC and meets the criteria for the Student Direct Stream. The following financial institutions offer GICs that meet the criteria:
The Non-SDS category is another category that supports students wishing to study in Canada. The category specifically helps those applicants to study in Canada who are unable to get a Student Visa in Canada via the SDS stream as they are unable to fulfill the SDS requirements. The prerequisites to apply under the non-SDS category will be varied as the category demands more documents.
For SDS, only some countries are eligible, but Non-SDS, on the other hand, is a standard visa application process for temporary residency in Canada and is available for all international travelers who want to Study in Canada, work in Canada or accomplish other purposes, regardless of their country of origin
After getting approved for study permit
If IRCC approves your application, they will send you:
You can bring your spouse or partner and children with you to Canada
Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may also be able to get faster processing on a
You must complete and submit their applications at the same time as your own. If you don’t, IRCC will not process their applications faster. When you apply online, indicate that you have family members coming with you to Canada. This lets you complete their applications with yours.