The Student Direct Stream (SDS) has ended. Canada closed the SDS fast-track on 8 November 2024, so it is no longer available in 2026. If an agent is still advertising an “SDS visa,” treat that as out of date. Every study-permit application — from India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines or anywhere else — now goes through the single Regular Study Permit Stream.
What changed when SDS closed
SDS used to return decisions in roughly 20 days for applicants who met a fixed checklist (a GIC, upfront tuition, and a strong language score). The Regular Stream has no such fast-track: decisions typically take about 8–12 weeks, and each file is assessed individually. IRCC's stated aim was to treat every country equally and to manage overall student numbers.
How to apply now, step by step
- Get accepted. Secure a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Get your PAL/TAL. Most applicants need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter. From 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral applicants are exempt from the PAL requirement.
- Prove your funds. Proof of funds moved to a dynamic Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) model on 27 January 2026, so the required amount can move while your file is open rather than being fixed for a year. Budget comfortably above the minimum.
- Submit the study permit. Apply online with your acceptance, PAL (if required), proof of funds and biometrics.
Money and work rights
You must show enough for tuition plus living costs. Many students still open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) to evidence living funds, even though it is no longer an SDS shortcut. During term, eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus (raised from 20 hours in late 2024) and full-time during scheduled breaks.
What this means for you
Apply early. With Regular-Stream processing at 8–12 weeks and intakes filling quickly, aim to submit several months before your start date. A good consultant will make sure your PAL, funds documentation and DLI acceptance all line up.
Study-permit rules are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and change frequently — confirm current requirements on the IRCC website before applying.