You’ve been accepted to a Canadian learning institution: congratulations! The next step to start your studies in Canada is to obtain your study permit.
In this article:
- What’s a study permit?
- What happens after you get accepted to a Canadian university or designated learning institutions (DLI)?
- Applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program
What’s a study permit?
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a study permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Note that your study permit isn’t a visa: on its own, it doesn’t let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) in order to be able to enter Canada. Once your study permit is approved, the Canadian Government will issue a study permit approval letter and if required, an entry visa in your passport, authorizing your travel to Canada.
What happens after you get accepted to a Canadian university or designated learning institutions (DLI)?
DLIs are educational institutions, including universities and colleges, that have received approval welcome international students to Canada. You can find a list of approved DLIs here.
 NoteLearn more about the best universities in Canada in our article on the 10 best ranked universities in Canada. The application process usually starts a year in advance so be sure to plan ahead! |
A letter of acceptance from a DLI is essential to getting a Canadian study permit. Once you have a letter of acceptance from a DLI, along with proof of financial support and supporting documentation that varies by country of origin, you can apply for a study permit. You can learn more about the documentation required to apply for a study permit on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program
Overview of the SDS program
Depending on where you live, you may be able to obtain a study permit more quickly through the SDS program. If you require a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, it’ll be issued with your study permit. Most SDS applications are processed within 20 calendar days, however you’ll want to give your application ample time to work its way through the system in order to avoid unnecessary stress.
To qualify for the SDS stream, you must be a resident of one of the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Senegal
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
How to prepare essential documents for your study permit
To apply through the SDS program, you must have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635 CAD (or $15,078 CAD if you’ll be studying in Quebec). A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed amount of time. Most major banks, including RBC, offer GICs. After purchasing a GIC from a bank, they must give you either a letter of attestation, a GIC certificate, an Investment Directions Confirmation, or an Investment Balance Confirmation as evidence of your purchase. The GIC will be held by the issuing bank in an investment account or student account that you can’t access until you enter Canada. Once you arrive, the bank will confirm your identity and either release the funds to you as a lump sum or in monthly or bi-monthly installments over 10 to 12 months.
How does an RBC GIC work for international students?$20,7
RBC’s International Student Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) Program is specifically designed to help eligible newcomers from China or India who have been accepted to a DLI. A GIC purchased through RBC’s program makes it easier to prepare the financial documents required to apply for your Canadian study permit, allows access to the expedited SDS study permit application process, and gives you a guaranteed source of money once you arrive in Canada. For peace of mind, your funds will be protected by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC).
Students from China and India who have their letter of acceptance from their University or College can book an appointment to speak with an RBC Advisor about opening their International Student GIC. 
How to submit an SDS application
Once you have your acceptance letter and GIC in hand, along with other supporting documentation, you can apply to the SDS program online. Note: there is no paper application for SDS. Before applying online, consult this instruction guide for filling out your forms and make sure you have a valid credit or debit card to pay your biometric fee (if required, based on your country of origin). After you apply, if biometrics such as fingerprints and a photo are required, you will receive a letter telling you where and how to complete this step.
Preparing for arrival
With paperwork completed and your SDS application submitted, you can enjoy planning your arrival. Ensure your passport is up to date: if your passport expires, so will your permit. If this happens, you’ll need to apply to extend your study permit when you get a new passport. Better to avoid the headache altogether!
Canada is one of the world’s top study destinations to enhance your skills, experience, and knowledge. Arriving in Canada should be a fun and exciting experience, which is why it’s important to conduct timely research and preparation to avoid unnecessary issues or delays.
