Study Direct Stream (SDS) was successfully launched today in Manila. International Student applicants from the Philippines may now avail of the streamlined process for the study visa/study permit application.
Difference between the Study Visa Regular Steam and Study Direct Stream
| Regular Stream | Study Direct Stream | |
| Mode of Application | Paper or Online Application | Online Application |
| IELTS | Optional | Mandatory (at least 6 in all areas) |
| Processing Time | 60 days | 30 days |
| Guaranteed Investment Certificate | Not needed | Required |
| Medical Examination | Upfront/Upon Request | Upfront |
| Tuition | Partial/Deposit will do | Full Payment for 1 year |
To qualify for the Study Direct Stream (SDS) you must:
- Study in a publicly funded post-secondary institution, such as a college, trade or technical school, university or CEGEP (in Quebec). o Have the following language abilities:
o IELTS test result with a minimum band of 6 or higher for each ability (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)ORo TEF test result with a minimum score of B2 (NCLC 7) or higher for each ability (expression orale, compréhension de l’orale, compréhension de l’écrit, et expression écrite)
- Secure a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution; instructions on how to apply can be found online,
- Pay your first year of tuition fees upfront,
- Undergo a medical examination before submitting your application, AND
- Use a Visa Application Centre to submit your application.
Guaranteed Investment Certificate
Under the Study Direct Stream, you need to submit proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian Financial Institution (i.e. Scotiabank) instead of proof of funds in a form of a bank certificate. The amount of your GIC must meet the required amount for your 1 year living allowance:
- CAD10,000 for single applicant
- CAD 4,000 additional for accompanying spouse
- CAD 3,000 additional for each accompanying dependent child
The Scotiabank Student GIC Program (SSGP) enables you to meet the requirements of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada guidelines and provides access to funds to help pay for living expenses while you’re studying in Canada.
Under this program, you can purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from Scotiabank for $10,000 Canadian dollars (CAD). A GIC is an investment account that offers a guaranteed interest rate over a fixed period of time
- $2,000 CAD plus any accrued interest will be deposited into your personal bank account when you arrive in Canada.
- Each month, for 12 months, you'll receive a portion of the balance of your investment back, plus interest.
- You can use these funds to help pay for living expenses while you're studying in Canada.
- After 12 months, you'll have received your $10,000 CAD investment back
- The fee for this program is $200 CAD.
If you want a faster study visa processing, you should consider applying under the Study Direct Stream.
