Student Visas & Student Direct Stream

Canadian Colleges and Universities attract thousands of students each year. Canada wants to draw in more international students as a way to diversify classrooms and increase the economic benefits they bring, which already amount to billions of dollars each year. The economic impacts of foreign students rival Canada's exports of auto parts, aircraft and lumber.

The international students and student visas have become such an integral part of the Canadian economy that the government has launched a fast processing program called the Student Direct Stream for citizens of certain countries with high volumes of student visa applicants which promises a decision in only 20 calendar days. The Student Direct Stream is currently for citizens and legal residents currently residing in of the following countries: China, India, the Philippines, Senegal, Morocco, Vietnam and Pakistan.

So what does this mean for the rest of the countries of the world with students interested in studying in Canada? Nothing, they still may apply and the processing of their application may take the same or slightly more time depending on the visa office and the time of application. Even citizens of the above-mentioned countries may not qualify for the Student Direct stream and may be processed in the regular student visa category.