Pakistani students can now obtain study permit in as little as 20 days

Students from Pakistan are now eligible for Canada’s Student Direct Stream.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) has a turn-around time of around of 20-days for study permits for applicants from eligible countries.

Students from China, India, the Philippines and Vietnam already have the option of applying via the SDS, which the Government of Canada introduced in 2018 to support its goal “of attracting students from a more diverse range of countries.”

Students from Pakistan not applying through the SDS face an average processing time of eight weeks for their study permits applications.

“By expanding the Student Direct Stream to a more diverse range of prospective students, we’re enhancing the tremendous cultural, social and economic benefits that international students provide,” Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, said in a statement announcing Pakistan’s inclusion in the SDS.

While quicker, SDS applications also require more information up front. Prospective students must provide either English (IELTS) or French (TEF) language results, show proof of payment of tuition for the first year of study and be living outside of Canada when applying, among other criteria.

IRCC says the additional requirements allow officers to assess applications and make decisions more quickly.

International students who graduate from Canadian universities and colleges may be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit.