A master's applicant (B.Tech, IELTS 8, 4 years semiconductor industry experience) shared a successful SDS study permit timeline for an M.Eng at a major Ontario university: file lodged 3 May, medicals 2 June, biometrics 28 June, BVL 30 June, PPR 24 July —
under three months end to end.
Useful guidance from the thread:
- Payslips weren't required. The applicant submitted only tuition payment proof and GIC proof for finances; the file was approved without salary slips.
- Pick your university with a PR pathway in mind, not just ranking. The most substantive discussion was about post-graduation immigration routes: a BC university offered a direct BC PNP pathway for international graduates, while the Ontario choice connects to the OINP Masters Graduate stream. Either way, members noted that with 3+ years of work experience plus a Canadian master's, the applicant's CRS would be competitive for Federal Skilled Worker, and CEC becomes available after one year of Canadian work regardless.
- Apply to a spread of universities. The applicant applied to five (three admits, two rejections) and chose among admits based on program fit and PR strategy.
Historical note: timeline and stream details are from the 2021 SDS era (SDS has since ended) and PNP streams change — verify current OINP/BC PNP graduate streams before relying on them.