Source: Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Location: Markham, Ontario

IRCC has introduced the Student Direct Steam (SDS) for student applications from India, China, Philippines and Vietnam. Successful students from these countries will benefit by experiencing a comparatively faster processing time. To take part in this program, students from these countries need to demonstrate upfront that they have enough financial resources as well as language capabilities to succeed academically in Canada.

IRCC is also working in expanding the Student Direct Steam (SDS) to students in the African countries. Specifically, Kenya and Senegal. The inclusion of Kenya and Senegal would attract more French speaking students to Canada. The requirements of the Student Direct Steam (SDS) is quite stringent compared to the normal study permit application process. Students who do not meet the language proficiency and other requirements of the SDS can still apply under the normal (non-SDS) stream.

The Student Direct Steam (SDS) compliments the Express Entry selection system for economic immigration to Canada. students, after the successful completion of their course could opt to apply for Canadian permanent residency. IRCC will evaluate the performance of the Student Direct Steam (SDS) in the year and will expand the program in the year 2019.