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Non-SDS study permit: how long after the medical exam until a decision?

Canada • Study Permit • study 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Step-by-Step

Historical note: this reflects processing patterns from around September 2023, and IRCC timelines shift over time — treat it as an example rather than a current guarantee.

A member asked how long a decision typically takes after completing medicals for a non-SDS (Student Direct Stream) study permit application.

What the thread shared:
  1. One applicant's refusal came just 15 days after their medical exam, showing that non-SDS decisions can move fast even when the outcome is negative.

  2. Overall processing times for non-SDS applications were described as unpredictable, so there's no reliable universal timeline to plan around.


Takeaway: don't assume a long wait after medicals means anything either way — non-SDS decisions (positive or negative) can arrive within a couple of weeks, but timelines vary a lot case to case.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Tip: A fast turnaround after medicals isn't necessarily good or bad news — both approvals and refusals have come within about 15 days for some non-SDS applicants.
  • Tip: Non-SDS processing times are inconsistent; avoid making firm plans around an expected decision date.

Have a question about this? Join the discussion.

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