SDS vs Regular Study Permit

Quick Comparison

See how SDS differs from the regular study permit application

Criteria	Student Direct Stream (SDS)	Regular Study Permit
Processing Time	2-4 Weeks	4-12 Weeks
Language Requirement	CLB 6+ (IELTS, TOEFL)	Variable by country
Proof of Funds	Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)	Bank statements, savings
Eligible Countries	~40 Designated Countries	All Countries
Cost (GIC)	CAD $20,000-30,000	No GIC Required
Medical Exam	Pre-submission Optional	May be requested later
Police Certificate	Required upfront	May be requested later
Best For	Speed & Certainty	Flexibility & Accessibility

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The fast-track pathway for students from designated countries with strong financial backing.

CLB 6+ in English or French (IELTS, TOEFL, TEF, CELPIP).
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): CAD $20,000-30,000 in a Canadian bank.
Valid Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
From designated countries: India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, and 35+ others.
Police certificate required upfront.
Processing time: 2-4 weeks on average.

Learn More About SDS

Regular Study Permit

The traditional pathway for students from all countries with flexible proof of funds options.

No minimum language requirement (depends on country/risk assessment).
Proof of funds: Bank statements, savings, sponsor letters (no GIC required).
Valid Letter of Acceptance from a recognized Canadian institution.
Available to all countries globally.
Police certificate may be requested after initial review.
Processing time: 4-12 weeks depending on country.

Regular Study Permit Details

Why Choose Student Direct Stream?

Faster processing and higher approval rates for eligible students

Lightning-Fast Processing: Get approval in 2-4 weeks instead of 8-12 weeks.
Higher Approval Rates: SDS has a 70-80% approval rate compared to 50-60% for regular permits.
Pre-Medical Option: Complete medical exams before submission to expedite assessment.
GIC Benefits: Demonstrates financial responsibility and integration with Canadian banking.
Predictable Timeline: Know your status within weeks, not months.
Direct Learning Institution Support: DLIs are familiar with SDS requirements.

SDS for Indian Students

India is one of the top SDS-eligible countries with fastest processing times

Highest Priority

Indian students make up 40% of international students in Canada and benefit from streamlined SDS processing.

GIC Investment

CAD $20,000-30,000 deposits into Indian banks are eligible. Convert INR 15-25 lakhs to open your GIC.

2-Week Turnaround

Most Indian students receive SDS approval within 2-3 weeks from submission date.

IELTS Acceptance

IELTS (minimum 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5) is widely available in India.

Which Pathway is Right for You?

A simple guide to choosing SDS vs Regular Study Permit

Choose SDS if you:

Are from a designated SDS country (India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, etc.).
Have CLB 6+ English or French proficiency.
Can arrange a GIC deposit of CAD $20,000-30,000.
Want the fastest possible approval (2-4 weeks).
Prefer certainty and higher approval probability.

Choose Regular Study Permit if you:

Are from a non-SDS country (or prefer regular route anyway).
Don't meet CLB 6+ language requirements.
Cannot arrange a GIC right now.
Have alternative proof of funds (savings, sponsorship).
Can wait 8-12 weeks for processing.

SDS Total Cost

GIC Deposit: CAD $20,000-30,000
Application Fee: CAD $150
Biometrics: USD $85
Medical Exam: CAD $300-400
Police Certificate: INR 5,000-10,000 (India)
Tuition (1st year): CAD $15,000-30,000

Total Year 1: CAD $35,635+

*GIC is returned after completion of studies

Regular Permit Total Cost

Proof of Funds: Variable
Application Fee: CAD $150
Biometrics: USD $85
Medical Exam: CAD $300-400 (if required)
Police Certificate: INR 5,000-10,000 (if required)
Tuition (1st year): CAD $15,000-30,000

Total Year 1: CAD $15,535+

*No GIC requirement saves CAD $20,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is India on the SDS eligible countries list?

Yes, India is one of the primary SDS-eligible countries with the fastest processing times. Indian students make up a significant portion of SDS applications.

Can I get a refund of my GIC deposit?

Yes! Your GIC deposit is returned in full after you complete your studies or exit the program. The GIC provides proof of financial support during your studies.

What language test do I need for SDS?

You need CLB 6+ which corresponds to IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL 72+, or TEF 375-449. These tests are recognized globally.

How long does SDS processing take?

SDS processing typically takes 2-4 weeks from complete application submission. This is significantly faster than the 8-12 weeks for regular study permits.

What if I don't meet SDS requirements?

You can apply through the regular study permit pathway. This option is available to all countries and has more flexible requirements, though processing takes longer.

Can family members apply for study permits too?

Spouses and dependent children can apply for accompanying permits, but they follow the same SDS or regular pathways. Each person needs their own application.

Do I need a police certificate for SDS?

Yes, SDS requires a police certificate upfront. For regular permits, it may be requested during processing. Get yours from your local police/government office.