What is the difference between SDS and Non-SDS visa applications?

If you plan to study abroad at a top Canadian college or university, the terms like SDS and Non-SDS might confuse you during the admission and application process.

SDS or Student Direct Stream was formerly known as the Students Partner Program. With the SDS visa, Canada has made it easier to apply for and obtain a Canada study visa for students residing in Asian and African countries like India, China, Pakistan, Brazil, etc.

Both SDS and Non-SDS have different requirements, the application process, advantages, and disadvantages. Let's discuss them in detail.

Table of Contents: On this page, Read:-

• Canada Student Direct Stream: SDS Visa V/S Non SDS Visa Applications
• What is the difference between SDS and Non-SDS visa applications?
• What is Canada SDS Visa?
• What are the Canada SDS requirements?
• What is a Non-SDS Visa?
• What are the Canada Non SDS Requirements?
• Why Choose Canada SDS Visa over Non SDS visa?
• FAQs.

What is the difference between SDS and Non-SDS visa applications? 

The key difference between SDS and Non-SDS is that Student Direct Stream is an expedited Canada study permit processing program. It is ideal for those applying to study at a post-secondary DLI. In addition, the SDS is available to all the legal residents of certain Asian and African countries.

While Non-SDS is a general Canadian student visa application process, it is open to all international students irrespective of their country of origin.

Another significant difference between SDS and Non-SDS is the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). Applicants qualifying for SDS processing must submit a proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000 obtained from a bank insured by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or listed by IRCC.

While for a non-SDS visa processing, there is a mandatory requirement for a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC).

What is Canada SDS Visa?

The Student Direct Stream is an expedited program for study permit processing for those who have applied to study at a Canadian post-secondary DLI (designated learning institution).

With the SDS visa, Canada made it easier for international students from specific Asian and African countries to apply for a Canadian student visa, as the average SDS visa processing time for complete applications is 20 calendar days.

The Canada SDS Visa is available to people who are residing in any one of the below-mentioned countries in Asia or Africa: 

Regarding application submission, IRCC accepts only electronically submitted SDS visa applications for processing. The paper applications are processed per the regular Canadian study permit stream.

What are the Canada SDS requirements?

All the foreign nationals who qualify for SDS processing must meet all the eligibility and admissibility requirements as per the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

The candidates must submit the following documents to qualify for SDS processing:

Proof of Valid Language Test Result

Either of the tests must be completed within 2 years of receiving SDS visa application

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)- Score at least 6.0 or higher in all four language skill (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
• TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Français): Score at least 310 for speaking, 207 for reading, 249 for listening, and 310 for writing (equivalent to a CLB score of at least 7)

Proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

Provide proof of GIC of at least CAN$10,000 from a bank that is insured by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or listed on the IRCC's SDS web page.

GIC proof must meet the key criteria:

• Once purchased, the bank provides the candidate with an attestation letter, the GIC certificate, the Investment Balance Confirmation or the Investment Directions Confirmation.
• The bank holds all the funds in a student or investment account, which is inaccessible for release to the candidate until they arrive in Canada.
• Upon entering Canada, the bank must validate the client's identity before releasing funds to the study visa holder.
• After identification, the applicant will get an initial disbursement, and the rest of the funds will be disbursed in instalments (monthly or bimonthly) over 10 to 12 months.

Proof of Tuition fee payment

Must submit proof of paying tuition fee for the first year of study in the form of:

• a DLI receipt, or
• a DLI official letter confirming tuition fees payment, or
• a bank receipt showing payment of tuition fees to the DLI, or
• proof that the fee is transferred into a repository account

Acceptance letter from a Canadian post-secondary DLI (Designated Learning Institution)

Provide a valid letter of acceptance proving that you have been accepted to enrol at a Canadian DLI to study as an international student in Canada.

Letter of acceptance must contain:

• Student's full name, date of birth and mailing address
• Institution name and contact details
• DLI number
• School or institution type and study program
• Tuition fee
• Course commencement date
• Expiry date of letter of acceptance, etc.

Educational transcript

Must provide the educational transcript of secondary or post-secondary study program.

Proof of medical examination

Must submit proof of completing medical examination from a Canadian panel physician for candidates

• lived or travelled to designated countries or territories for 6 months during the year before travelling to Canada
• field of study needs upfront medical examination proof

What is a Non-SDS Visa?

The Non-SDS is a general processing program that supports international students willing to study in Canada by applying for a study permit.

The category is helpful for those aspirants who wish to study in Canada but cannot get approval via an expedited SDS stream.

What are the Canada Non SDS Requirements?

All the foreign nationals who qualify for Non-SDS processing must meet all the eligibility and admissibility requirements.

The candidates must submit the following documents to qualify for Non-SDS processing:

• An acceptance letter from a DLI to prove that you have successfully enrolled at a designated learning institution
• Show enough proof of funds to prove that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your study program
• A Police Clearance Certificate (if asked)
• A medical examination certificate (if requested)
• Identity proof, including valid passport, birth certificate, 2 passport-size photographs
• Letter of explanation for your purpose of visiting and studying in Canada

Why Choose Canada SDS Visa over Non SDS visa?

Canada’s Student Direct Stream or SDS visa stream helps fast-track the processing time of study visa applications for international students from certain countries. As mentioned, an average SDS visa processing time is within 20 days.

Here are a few reasons why SDS Visa is considered better than Non-SDS Visa:

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Fill out our free student assessment form online, and one of our academic counsellors will contact you to discuss the best available options.

FAQs

1.      How to apply for Canada’s SDS visa stream? 

If you are living in one of the following countries, you may qualify to apply for a Canadian study permit via the Student Direct Stream: 

India

China

Antigua and Barbuda

Brazil

Colombia

Costa Rica

Trinidad and Tobago

Vietnam

Peru

Philippines

Morocco

Pakistan

Senegal

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 

2.      Can I apply for SDS Canada with my family members? 

Yes. Your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children can come with you to Canada when you apply via SDS Canada.

3.      From where I can get my GIC? 

You can get a GIC from a bank or financial institution that is listed on the Canadian Deposit Insurance Company website.

4.      What is the cost to apply via SDS Canada visa?

As an international student, you must submit proof of full tuition payment for the first year and offer a GIC of at least CAN$10,000 or more.

5.      Which is faster SDS or Non SDS Visa? 

The SDS Canada is a fast-track processing program as most of applications under SDS are processed within 20 days.

6.      Can I get Canadian PR visa via SDS Canada? 

The Canadian government makes it easy for international students to apply for a Canada PR visa if they wish to stay in the country after graduation. You can apply for Post-Graduate Work Permit to stay and work for up to 3 years.

7.      Why do most of the people consider non-SDS over SDS?

Quick application processing time is one of the key reasons behind choosing SDS Canada over Non-SDS.