Canada: Student Direct Stream expanded in the Americas
Faster study permit application option is now available in 7 Caribbean and Central and South American countries
Ottawa: 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.
International students who are currently abroad and looking to begin or resume their studies in person soon will likely continue facing challenges in travelling to Canada, with ongoing reduced flight availability expected in the weeks and months ahead. Students must follow their designated learning institution’s COVID-19 readiness plan, including planning to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Students are required to submit quarantine and vaccination details using the ArriveCAN app before travelling to Canada. Those who meet Canada’s criteria as a fully vaccinated traveller can be exempted from the quarantine requirement by a border services officer upon entering Canada.