Student Direct Stream, fast-track study permit processing program

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the Student Direct Stream, a fast-track study permit processing program available to residents of China, India, Philippines, and Vietnam who want to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution. IRCC indicates a service standard for the processing of Student Direct Stream applications of 20 calendar days from the date of receipt of a complete application, including biometrics.

To be eligible under the program, applicants must submit proof of a valid language test result, completed within two years; proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of CAN $10,000 or more; proof of full payment of their tuition for the first year of study; letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution in Canada; and proof of completion of the upfront medical examination for certain categories of applicants.

In most cases, applicants are required to submit biometrics. Where required, upon submission of a complete application (including the payment of the application fee and biometrics processing fees where applicable), applicants receive a letter from IRCC comprising instructions on how to submit their biometrics.

As per IRCC, family members of principal applicants who are applying at the same time as the primary applicant are eligible for concurrent processing.