Student Partners Program Canada: History and Current Rules

What Was SPP?

The Student Partners Program (SPP) was a pilot that began in April 2009 between Canada's visa offices in India and member colleges of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). It aimed to increase the approval rate for study permit applications at participating colleges. SPP no longer runs, and this page is kept as history. If you are applying now, see the current process below.

Note:

The Student Direct Stream (SDS), announced on 8 June 2018, replaced SPP in India. SDS itself ended on 8 November 2024. Neither is open to applicants today.

How Did SPP Work?

According to Canada's January 2010 announcement, SPP linked Canada's visa offices in India with twenty ACCC member colleges. Applicants had to provide verifiable documents, and colleges reported whether admitted students actually showed up. In June 2018, Canada merged its separate country streams into SDS. When it launched, SDS required a CAD 10,000 GIC, proof of first-year tuition, an upfront medical exam and language proof. SDS has now ended too.

How to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit Now

Indian students now apply through the regular study permit stream. You need:

• Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution.
• A provincial or territorial attestation letter in most cases. Master's and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt for programmes starting on or after 1 January 2026, but must show proof of the exemption. Students in Quebec generally need a CAQ instead.
• Proof of funds: tuition, plus CAD 23,448 for living costs for one person outside Quebec for applications from 1 September 2026, plus travel. Bank statements for the past 6 months, a loan or a scholarship can all be used. A GIC is accepted but not required.
• Proof of identity, and a medical exam or police certificate if needed. An explanation letter is recommended.

Canada expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, including 155,000 for new arrivals. Processing times change often, so check IRCC's processing times tool. On 29 October 2026 IRCC showed 8 weeks for study permit applications from India.

Colleges in SPP

Canada's 2010 announcement said twenty ACCC member colleges took part, but it did not name them. No college has SPP status today. You need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution to apply for a study permit, so check your college on IRCC's official list.

Conclusion

SPP was a pilot between Canada's visa offices in India and ACCC member colleges. SDS replaced it in India, and SDS ended on 8 November 2024. If you are applying now, follow the regular study permit process and IRCC's current requirements.