The countries that are eligible for the Study Direct Stream are China, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam. In order to apply through the stream, you must be a legal resident of these countries. Unfortunately, citizens of these countries that are living abroad cannot apply through this program. They can, however, apply through the normal study permit application process.

A previous version of the Study Direct Stream was available only for applicants living in the Philippines, while separate programs were available to residents of the other three countries. All of these programs have now been combined into the new Study Direct Stream.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTATION

If the student did not graduate from a Canadian curriculum high school, then they need to provide results of language tests. The minimum qualifying scores are a 6 in each category of the IELTS or a 7 in the Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens French exam.

The specific documentation that is part of an application differs depending on the country. The Study Direct Stream website has document checklists and more information.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

For many students, studying in Canada is the first step in moving permanently to the country. When you graduate from a Designated Learning Institution, you become eligible for a post-graduation work permit. This allows you to extend your stay in Canada and gain valuable Canadian work experience.

The Study Direct Stream is a great new way to apply and receive a study permit quickly, giving students a jump start on their Canadian immigration journey. If you are planning on studying in Canada and live in one of the eligible countries, than you should definitely consider applying through the Study Direct Stream!