Dear Mr Brown,

I heard about the new Student Direct Stream. I am wondering whether this is a new, guaranteed way to obtain a study permit and how it works.

— NC

Dear NC:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a new Student Direct Stream (SDS) that promises streamlined processing of Canadian study permit for legal residents of: China, India, the Philippines, or Vietnam.

Student Direct Stream

The SDS replaces the special study permit process programmes which serve individuals applying to study in Canada from these countries. In other words, IRCC has now merged those separate programmes into the SDS to ensure consistency in processing and requirements for all study permit applicants.

Students from those countries who can satisfy a series of criteria, encompassing language skills, medical and financial resources, will benefit from faster processing times.

Language requirements are stricter than for regular study permits. To qualify for the SDS, students need to have a qualifying score of at least IELTS 6 for English or a 7 in the Niveaux the Compétence Linguistique Canadiens for French, or have graduated from a Canadian-curriculum high school.

In addition to paying tuition fees upfront for the year, one has to furnish proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of $10,000 CAD.

The IRCC is also planning to expand the programme to Africa in 2019 with a focus on potential French-speaking students from countries like Senegal.

Regular Study Permits

Students who do not satisfy these requirements can apply through the regular study permit application. Applications for a regular study permit will be processed by visa officers should the specific Student Direct Stream criteria not be met. It is important to note that citizens of these countries who live in other countries not stated on the list would have to apply through the regular study permit application process.

The SDS complements the Express Entry system, IRCC explained in a statement, and these students will be able to apply for permanent residence and Canadian citizenship after they finish their studies. International students in Canada can work both during and immediately after their studies. Extra points are awarded under the Express Entry selection process for Canadian experience.

Disadvantages of the SDS

Critics have warned that:

• Many students may select other countries that do not have as strict a financial requirement.

• The SDS applications may take priority, which may result in a greater chance of rejection when applying outside of the SDS.

Please visit jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programmes, including Express Entry, the study & work programme, visas or appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and an accredited Canadian education agent of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM — a Canadian immigration and education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to jamaica2canada@gmail.com