The SDS program currently serves residents of 14 countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.

Canada aims to process all study permit applications eligible for SDS processing within 20 calendar days.

To apply for a Canadian study permit through the SDS program, prospective students must:

Provide a copy of a letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution.
Submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), unless exempt from this requirement.
Present documentation confirming their upfront medical exam.
Prove they have obtained a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635 CAD.
Demonstrate that they have covered their travel costs.
Show proof that tuition fees for the first year of study have been paid.
Provide language test results completed within the last two years.
Submit their application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

IRCC accepts the following English language tests:

IELTS Academic or General Training: minimum score of 6.0 in each skill (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
CELPIP General: minimum score of CLB 7.
CAEL: minimum score of 60.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: minimum score of 60.
ETS TOEFL iBT Test: minimum score of 83.

If an application is approved, the applicant will receive a letter of introduction, also known as a Point of Entry letter, and a temporary resident visa to enter Canada.

This letter serves as proof of study permit approval and must be presented to a visa officer upon arrival in Canada. It’s important to note that applicants from the listed countries must be residing in their home country when applying for the SDS program.