Student Direct Stream Expands to the Americas

Faster study permit application option is now available in 7 Caribbean and Central and South American countries

July 9, 2021, Ottawa, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – As we emerge from the global pandemic in the months ahead, Canada’s International Student Program can play an important role in our economic recovery.

That is why, starting today, applicants will be able to apply for a study permit using the Student Direct Stream (SDS) if they live in:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Peru
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

The SDS was launched in 2018 as an option to support faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. Through the SDS, an applicant provides additional information up front, allowing officers to make a thorough assessment and final decision quickly.

With the additional countries announced today, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now offering the SDS to students in a total of 14 countries. IRCC is committed to the continued expansion of the SDS in support of Canada’s International Education Strategy (2019–2024) and its goal of welcoming more international students from a broad range of source countries.

According to the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of IRCC,  “Our country’s diverse and inclusive society, high quality educational institutions and opportunities to work or immigrate after graduation have made Canada a leading destination of choice for students from around the world. The global pandemic has caused disruptions and distress for everyone, including international students. By expanding the Student Direct Stream to a more diverse range of prospective students, we have great optimism that international education will recover, and indeed flourish, as Canada emerges from the pandemic.”

The other countries where SDS is already offered include China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, and Vietnam.

Are you interested to study in Canada, either through the Student Direct Stream or Regular Stream? If so, you can find more information here. Or send us a message here.

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