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Canada

Student · Fast Track

Canada Student Visa (SDS)

The Study Direct Stream (SDS) is the expedited study-permit route for Pakistani students enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada. When eligibility is met, decisions typically land in around 20 calendar days.

Check your eligibilityTalk to a consultant

Content last reviewed 15 April 2026

Overview

What this visa is — and who it's for.

SDS is operated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is open to legal residents of Pakistan and a handful of other countries. It requires upfront proof of funds via a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) and first-year tuition prepayment — but in exchange, processing is dramatically faster than the standard study permit stream.

We verify your institution is on the IRCC DLI list, coordinate your GIC with a participating Canadian financial institution, confirm IELTS or French requirements, and submit the online application package. Approval rates are higher for well- prepared SDS applications than for standard study permits.

Requirements

What you'll need to bring.

Essential documents

  • Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • Proof of paid first-year tuition (or full programme if shorter than one year)
  • GIC of CAD 20,635 (or current threshold) from a participating bank
  • Valid Pakistani passport
  • IELTS Academic with overall 6.0+ and no band below 6.0 (or equivalent)
  • Most recent secondary or post-secondary transcripts
  • Medical exam from an IRCC panel physician (upfront)
  • Police certificate where required
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) where applicable

Eligibility criteria

  • Legal resident of Pakistan applying from Pakistan
  • Accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • Proof of paid first-year tuition
  • GIC purchased from a participating Canadian financial institution
  • Required language test score (IELTS / CELPIP / TEF / TCF)
  • Recent medical exam from an IRCC panel physician
  • Provincial Attestation Letter where required by your province

Process

The application, step by step.

  1. 1

    Institution & program selection

    4–8 weeks

    Shortlist DLIs and programs aligned to your career plan. We verify DLI status and PAL applicability before you commit.

  2. 2

    Acceptance & tuition prepayment

    2–4 weeks

    Secure your Letter of Acceptance and pay first-year tuition (or the full programme fee if shorter than one year).

  3. 3

    GIC + language test

    2–6 weeks

    Purchase the GIC from a participating bank; complete IELTS Academic / CELPIP / TEF / TCF at the required band.

  4. 4

    Medical exam & document prep

    2–3 weeks

    Upfront medical with an IRCC panel physician, plus passport, transcripts, and PAL if applicable.

  5. 5

    Online application & biometrics

    1–2 weeks

    Submit via IRCC online portal, pay fees, attend biometrics at VFS Pakistan.

  6. 6

    Decision

    ~20 calendar days

    SDS targets ~20-day processing; you receive a Port of Entry letter on approval.

Processing time

IRCC's published SDS service standard is approximately 20 calendar days from the date biometrics are completed. Standard (non-SDS) study permits from Pakistan typically take significantly longer.

Fees

IRCC charges study-permit application fees, biometric fees, and any required medical exam costs separately. Our consultancy engagement fee is disclosed during the eligibility assessment based on your specific case.

FAQ

Questions specific to this route.

Talk to a consultant

Interested in the Canada Student Visa (SDS)?

Send us a quick note and we'll reply on WhatsApp within one business day. Prefer to self-screen first? Run the eligibility calculator — six minutes, no account required.

We reply on WhatsApp within one business day.