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IMMIGRATION Table of Contents

Document Checklist – Study Permit

Canada
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How to obtain a Guaranteed
Investment Certificate (GIC)

Study Permit
Student Direct Stream

Visa Office
Instructions for:

Bengaluru (Bangalore),
Chandigarh, New Delhi

This application is made available free by

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada and is not to be sold to
applicants.

Cette trousse est également

disponible en français

IMM 5976 E (06-2018)

Student Direct Stream
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) provides a streamlined study application process for students with strong
English or French language abilities who will enter into their program of study at an eligible post-secondary
Designated Learning Institute (DLI). The list can be found here.

As Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assess your study permit application based on
the documents you submit, make sure you submit all the required documents with your application and
processing fee. If any document is in a foreign language, an English or French translation is required.

How do I qualify for SDS?

To qualify, you must:

- have been accepted by an eligible post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
- demonstrate the required English or French language abilities;
- provide evidence of sufficient financial support for the duration of your studies;
- provide evidence that you have had a medical examination before submitting your application

To benefit from the facilitative qualities of the SDS program, it is strongly recommended that applicants apply
on-line.

Further details are in the required documents section below.

General information:

Applicants who are seeking entry solely for English or French preparatory courses and who do not have a
conditional acceptance to a college or university in Canada are not eligible for this program. However, you
may still apply under the Student Direct Stream if you’re Letter of Acceptance (LOA) or conditional LOA
requires you to complete preparatory courses before commencement of your academic program, and you
meet all other requirements.

Am I guaranteed a study permit if I choose to apply through SDS?

No. The SDS provides a streamlined application process and faster processing times but you must still meet
all the requirements for a study permit.

How long will it take for your SDS application to be processed?

For SDS study permit applications, the processing time will be 45 days or less.

What happens to my GIC if my study permit application is refused?

You will be able to apply directly to the bank that issued your Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for a
full refund of your GIC.

Can I still apply for a study permit even though I do not qualify to apply under the SDS?

Yes. You can still apply for a study permit and will it be processed within the current 60 day service standard.

We strongly recommend that you submit your application at least three months ahead of your proposed date
of travel. Applications received after 1 April for May entry, after 1 August for September entry, and after 1
December for January entry may not be processed in time for the start of the class and may be refused.

1
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
All documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by an English or French
translation (this checklist should be used in conjunction with IMM5483 Document Checklist √
for a Study Permit)

Completed “Application for a Study Permit” (IMM 1294). If your spouse or common-law partner
and/or children will accompany you, they need to complete their own application using the
appropriate application form. 

Family Information Form [IMM 5707], fully completed, dated and signed. You must answer every
question. If not applicable, write N/A.


Your valid passport. There must be one completely blank page other than the last page available
in the passport. If possible, your passport should be valid for the duration of proposed study.


Two (2) photos. All photos must meet the requirements of the Photo specifications appendix . On
the back of one photo in each set, write the name and date of birth of the person appearing in the
photo. 

The correct processing fee in the acceptable format (refer to the Fee schedule. Fee is non-
refundable. If you need to give your biometrics, the $85 CAD biometric fee covers the VAC service
charge. 

A copy of the medical examination form given to you by the Panel Physician. Find a panel
physician in your territory.


If someone has assisted you in completing this application: “Use of representative form ”

(IMM5476)


Custodianship declaration from your parent(s) and from the custodian in Canada if you are under
18 years of age.

2
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
All documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by an English or French
translation (this checklist should be used in conjunction with IMM5483 Document Checklist √
for a Study Permit)

A copy of a valid Letter of Acceptance from the Admissions/Registrar’s Office of one of the
Designated Learning Institutions in Canada.


Submit evidence of your English or French language abilities:

 A valid IELTS test result (issued within the last two years) showing an overall band of 6.0
with no individual band lower than 6.0
OR
 TEF test (issued within the last two years) result with a minimum score that is at least
equivalent to NCLC 7 for each ability (at least 310 for expression orale, 249 for

compréhension de l’oral, 207 for compréhension de l’écrit, and 310 for expression écrite)
OR
 Canadian High School diploma from a recognized Canadian-curriculum high school

If you are intending to study in Québec: Evidence of a valid Certificat d’acceptation du

Québec (CAQ)


A copy of your most recent secondary or post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate, and most
recent transcripts.


Evidence of the purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating

financial institution in the amount of $10,000 

Copy of receipts showing payment of tuition fees for the entire first year.


If applicable, scholarships/other funding: Original letter containing details of the funding you are to
receive during each year of your proposed course of study.


HOW TO OBTAIN A GUARANTEED INVESTMENT CERTIFICATE (GIC)

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada guidelines, you will require approximately
$10,000 CAD per year, not including tuition fees, to cover your living expenses. This requirement is fulfilled
through the purchase of a participating GIC, and evidence that you have paid your tuition fees.

At present, Scotiabank, ICICI Bank Canada, SBI Canada Bank and CIBC are the participating Canadian
financial institutions. Please visit their websites to learn more about their GIC services.