What has replaced the Student Direct Stream for Canada study permit applications from India?
Canada has permanently closed the Student Direct Stream, and Indian applicants now must apply through the Standard Academic Stream instead. This route requires more detailed banking and source of wealth records, typically 4 to 6 months worth, alongside your usual acceptance letter, financial proof and other study permit documents.
If you were counting on the faster Student Direct Stream to reach Canada, that route is no longer available to you. Here is the process that has taken its place, and what it means for how you prepare your application.
Canada Study Permit Route Change Overview
| What Changed | Detail |
|---|---|
| Old Route | Student Direct Stream, permanently closed |
| New Route | Standard Academic Stream, non SDS |
| Extra Requirement | 4 to 6 months of banking and source of wealth records |
| Financial Benchmark (GIC) | CAD 23,448, around INR 14.5 lakh |
Other Related Rules You Should Know
Beyond the route change, remember that a Provincial Attestation Letter is compulsory for undergraduate and diploma applicants but not for Master's or PhD students at public institutions. You will also owe a Study Permit processing fee of CAD 150 plus a Biometrics fee of CAD 85 on top of your tuition and living cost proof.
My Advice
Start gathering your bank statements well ahead of your application, since the Standard Stream expects a longer paper trail than the old SDS ever did. Keep your funds in one traceable account for several months before you apply, rather than moving large sums in right before submission, since sudden deposits can raise questions during review.
Not sure which documents your Canadian visa needs?
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