IRCC Expands SDS to 7 New Countries

Potential international students from seven countries from South and Central Americas and the Caribbean can now expect faster study permit application options to continue their post-secondary education in Canada via the expanded Student Direct System (SDS).

SDS is a fast-track program for international students who want to study at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI). It offers expedited student permit application processing for students who want to study in Canada.

Among the newly included countries are Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Antigua and Barbuda, Costa Rica, Trinidad, and Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Eligible students living in these countries can enjoy quicker application assessments using SDS starting July 9.

The SDS was first introduced in 2018 for post-secondary student-applicants in China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. A year later, it was expanded to include Pakistan, Morocco, and Senegal. Since then, IRCC has now a total of 14 countries that enjoy the perks of a fast-tracked and efficient student permit application.

Interested learners from the 14 eligible countries above should meet the following SDS requirements:

• Language Test: They must have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 on each skill: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Meanwhile, a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) equivalent of 7 Test d’Evaluation de Français skills is required for Francophone candidates.

• Proof of guaranteed investment certificate of a minimum of CAD 10,000: The certificate should come from an eligible Canadian financial institution.

• Proof of full payment of tuition for the candidate’s first year

• Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI)

• Most recent educational transcript

• Proof of upfront medical exams: Only required for applicants who have lived/traveled in designated countries/territories for six months or if their field of study requires so.

With the persisting threats and limitations of the pandemic, students are advised to follow their designated learning institution’s COVID-19 readiness plan, including the 14-day quarantine as an extra health measure. 

The IRCC is committed to providing continued SDS expansion in support of Canada’s International Education Strategy (2019-2024), welcoming more international students from different countries as well as diversifying Canada’s education sector.

Read more:

• Canada COVID-19 Update: Entry of International Students to Ontario To Be Suspended
• Eligible International Students Remain Welcome in Ontario
• New Student Rules in Entering Canada Raised as Vax Campaigns Ensue
• Canada Allows Entrance of Vaccinated Int’l Students

Abcodo is the in-house recruitment partner of MSM Unify, a student recruitment and marketing platform that connects partner schools to top-tier agents and their students worldwide. Sign up now to get the latest updates and information on international student recruitment.