What is a GIC and why is it required?

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a Canadian savings product that proves you have ~CAD 20,635 (or current threshold) available for first-year living expenses. The bank releases funds to you monthly after you arrive in Canada.

Is the SDS GIC threshold the same as before?

No — IRCC increased it in early 2024 to reflect updated cost-of-living estimates. We confirm the exact current figure during your consultation.

Do I need a Provincial Attestation Letter?

Most undergraduate and college applicants require a PAL/TAL from the province where their DLI is located. We confirm whether your institution and program require one as part of the eligibility check.

Can I work while studying?

Yes — international students with a valid study permit can typically work on- and off-campus subject to the current IRCC rules and your study-permit conditions. We confirm your specific allowance during onboarding.

Does SDS guarantee approval?

No — SDS only accelerates processing for eligible applicants. The visa officer still assesses your genuine intent, financial soundness, and ties to Pakistan. We focus on preparing each of these dimensions thoroughly.

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Canada

Student · Fast Track

Canada Student Visa (SDS)

The Study Direct Stream (SDS) is the expedited study-permit route for Pakistani students enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada. When eligibility is met, decisions typically land in around 20 calendar days.

Check your eligibility Talk to a consultant

Content last reviewed 15 April 2026

Overview

What this visa is — and who it's for.

SDS is operated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is open to legal residents of Pakistan and a handful of other countries. It requires upfront proof of funds via a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) and first-year tuition prepayment — but in exchange, processing is dramatically faster than the standard study permit stream.

We verify your institution is on the IRCC DLI list, coordinate your GIC with a participating Canadian financial institution, confirm IELTS or French requirements, and submit the online application package. Approval rates are higher for well- prepared SDS applications than for standard study permits.

Requirements

What you'll need to bring.

Essential documents

Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Proof of paid first-year tuition (or full programme if shorter than one year)
GIC of CAD 20,635 (or current threshold) from a participating bank
Valid Pakistani passport
IELTS Academic with overall 6.0+ and no band below 6.0 (or equivalent)
Most recent secondary or post-secondary transcripts
Medical exam from an IRCC panel physician (upfront)
Police certificate where required
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) where applicable

Eligibility criteria

Legal resident of Pakistan applying from Pakistan
Accepted to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Proof of paid first-year tuition
GIC purchased from a participating Canadian financial institution
Required language test score (IELTS / CELPIP / TEF / TCF)
Recent medical exam from an IRCC panel physician
Provincial Attestation Letter where required by your province

Process

The application, step by step.

1
Institution & program selection
4–8 weeks
Shortlist DLIs and programs aligned to your career plan. We verify DLI status and PAL applicability before you commit.
2
Acceptance & tuition prepayment
2–4 weeks
Secure your Letter of Acceptance and pay first-year tuition (or the full programme fee if shorter than one year).
3
GIC + language test
2–6 weeks
Purchase the GIC from a participating bank; complete IELTS Academic / CELPIP / TEF / TCF at the required band.
4
Medical exam & document prep
2–3 weeks
Upfront medical with an IRCC panel physician, plus passport, transcripts, and PAL if applicable.
5
Online application & biometrics
1–2 weeks
Submit via IRCC online portal, pay fees, attend biometrics at VFS Pakistan.
6
Decision
~20 calendar days
SDS targets ~20-day processing; you receive a Port of Entry letter on approval.

Processing time

IRCC's published SDS service standard is approximately 20 calendar days from the date biometrics are completed. Standard (non-SDS) study permits from Pakistan typically take significantly longer.

Fees

IRCC charges study-permit application fees, biometric fees, and any required medical exam costs separately. Our consultancy engagement fee is disclosed during the eligibility assessment based on your specific case.

FAQ

Questions specific to this route.

Talk to a consultant

Interested in the Canada Student Visa (SDS)?

Send us a quick note and we'll reply on WhatsApp within one business day. Prefer to self-screen first? Run the eligibility calculator — six minutes, no account required.