Students looking forward to pursuing higher education abroad should consider Canada a great option. When applying for a visa, one might get confused about the difference between SDS ( Student Direct Stream ) and NON – SDS. They’re relevant to your visa application.
Students must know the difference between SDS and Non SDS visa applications if they want to study in Canada. After introducing the SDS visa, students get quicker access to study in Canada.
However, some students take more time as they don’t know the difference between SDS and Non SDS visa applications. If you want to know everything about the SDS and Non SDS difference, processing, success rate, etc., you are at the right place!
What is SDS and Non SDS
SDS stands for Student Direct Stream, formally known as SPP ( Student Partners Program). On the other hand, Non SDS is known as a general category.
Non SDS is the best option for those international students who do not meet the basic requirements for a student visa in Canada.
SDS is the fastest approach for international students to apply directly to pursue education in Canada. Students who don’t fulfill the requirements can avail of the Non SDS option.
For SDS, only students from India and Brazil are eligible. However, the candidates would be required to fulfill certain requirements under this program set by the Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada to study in Canada.
Till now, the SDS Canada visa is offered only to legal residents who also reside in:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam etc.
Advantages of SDS Over Non SDS Visa
- It is open to international students from specific Asian and African countries.
- Visa processing time for a complete application is 20 calendar days.
- Less documentation.
List of African countries for SDS Visa >>>> Click Here
Eligibility Criteria for SDS Visa
Student Direct Stream is available to all the legal residents of certain Asian and African Countries.
The first step for eligibility is scoring a minimum of 6.0 band (for UG) and 6.5 band (for PG) in all four skills. Since they accept both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, students can choose either.
Students who need to take a prerequisite course or bridging program before entering the main program are eligible to apply for the SDS visa category.
However, it must be mentioned in the letter of acceptance. Last but not least, as a Covid-19 precaution, you must be a fully vaccinated traveler (taken 2 doses) before arriving in Canada.
List of Asian countries for SDS Visa >>>> Click Here
Eligibility Criteria for Non SDS Visa
Non SDS is a general Canadian student Visa application process, and it is open to all international students irrespective of their country of origin.
SDS Visa Requirements for Study in Canada
1. Language Proficiency
Students must have a minimum of 6.0 to apply for an SDS. They can also apply for IELTS to stand a good chance of getting admission.
2. Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
Candidates are required to deposit at least 10,000 CAD as GIC. This deposit requirement ensures that the student is secured in Canada and has the needed funds.
Candidates will receive a letter of attestation, the GIC, the investment Directions Confirmation, or Investment Balance Confirmation.
Before releasing the funds to the students after entry to Canada, the bank must validate the Candidate’s identity.
Learn more about banks available for GIC in SDS VISA
3. Travel Document
Candidates who want to apply for a student visa must have a valid travel document. If the date of the travel document expires, the visa will not be issued.
Tuition Fee
Full payment of the 1st Year tuition fees is one of the basic requirements for the student. The candidate must have to provide proof of payment in the form of:
- A receipt from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- A confirmation of the payment by a DLI in the form of an official letter
- The bank’s receipt shows that tuition fees have been paid to the DLI
- A proof of the transfer of the tuition fee amount into a repository account at the DLI
Other Requirements may include:
1. Academic Transcripts
Authorized academic transcripts must have scored at least 55%
2. SOP (Statement Of Purpose)
A statement of Purpose (SOP) plays an important role in a student visa. Applicants have to write an SOP, whether it is for SDS or non-SDS.
It is more like an essay where they have to mention why they are choosing a particular course in the college in Canada. It works as a clarification to the visa officer about the profile and interest of the candidate.
The SOP for the Canadian High Commission is not the same as the SOP written for the universities or colleges in Canada. SOPs written for the universities focus more on the particular courses and background of the candidate and also portray the candidate’s interest in the particular course.
3. Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is mandatory to study in Canada. After thorough research, a student shall submit an application to one of the Designated Learning Institutions.
If the application meets their expectations, the institution will issue a Letter of Acceptance to that student.
All primary and secondary institutions in Canada come under DLI.
However, at the post-secondary level, only approved institutions under DLI can allow international students to study for a degree.
4. Visa application fees
The SDS Visa application fee starts from CAD 150 (11,000 INR), while the biometric fee is CAD 85.
5. Digital Photographs
Canada does not compromise on a candidate’s photograph. That’s why they laid strict instructions to follow:
- The photo must contain the head’s full front view and the shoulders’ top. The face should be in the middle.
- The minimum frame size is 35 mm X 45 mm (1 ⅜” X 1 ¾”).
Explain these instructions carefully to the photographer to make it perfect.
- The candidate should submit two photographs (passport size). The digital photo must not exceed 4 MB.
- Remember that the photographs will be rejected if they do not meet the specifications mentioned.
6. Passport
If you’re applying for an SDS visa, you need a valid passport to kick-start the process. Make sure your passport is not expired. If yes, then renew it immediately. Upon passport verification, you are eligible for a study permit, temporary resident visa (TRV), and many more.
7. Identification Proof
Along with a passport, the candidate must submit another proof of identity. It can be a driving license, voter’s ID, or pan card.
Identification proof is essential to prove that you are not only a citizen of a country but also a permanent resident.
8. Experience Documents
Students who have worked earlier, currently working or serving their notice period must submit their work experience documents or proof of work experience.
The work experience documents include the following:
- Appointment letter
- Resignation acceptance letter from your employer
- Payslips for last six months
- Relieving letter
- Reference letter (if any)
- Promotion letter (if any)
- Any other document considered relevant.
Medical Examination Report
Candidates who have resided or traveled for six (6) months in one of the designated countries shall submit a medical examination report for an SDS visa.
When SDS was launched in 2018, it only included students from China, India, the Philippines and Vietnam as designated countries. In 2019, it included Pakistan, Morocco, and Senegal. Now, it has 14 countries on the list.
If the area of study asks for a medical examination report, the candidate must provide it.
The check-up report includes a full-body medical examination.
If the doctor/physician gives you the medical report in an electronic format, submitting its printout is fine.
ALSO NOTE:
Incomplete Applications:
- The immigration office will not accept incomplete applications.
- It will not be processed if the application fee is not included or entered.
- If the biometric fee is missing, the immigration officer must collect the fee at the earliest.
Non SDS Visa Requirements for Study in Canada
1. Language Proficiency Test
IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests are required to prove their language proficiency.
2. Travel Document
A valid travel document is required for the candidate before applying for a Non SDS.
3. Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
The candidates are required to deposit 10,000CAD as GIC. This deposit ensures the student’s security and ensures he/she has the needed funds.
4. Tuition Fee
Under Non-SDS, Candidates must provide proof that they have deposited the tuition fees for six months.
5. Medical Examination
Some medical tests must be completed before applying for a Non SDS.
- Candidates applying for a Non-SDS visa must produce a recent medical examination report.
- Candidates can take up a medical examination once they receive a request from IRCC.
- After the request from IRCC, fix up an appointment from a panel physician in your vicinity, and show that medical request letter to the physician.
- After the medical examination, the panel physician will send your report directly to the IRCC.
- The IRCC will approve the Medical Examination Report after thorough verification.
6. Financial Documents
Under non-SDS, students must submit financial documents that will help justify their financial stability. The documents include Proof of Income (Income Tax Returns, Form-16, J-Forms). Students can also add liquid assets in the form of GPF, Bank Statements, Fixed Deposits, and many more.
Other Requirements may include:
1. SOP ( Statement Of Purpose )
Each institution asks for a statement of purpose, popular as SOP, from the candidate for filtering purposes.
- It is an essay-type answer where students shall mention their objectives, relevant experiences, and anecdotes (if necessary) in 1000-1500 words and explain why they want to pursue a particular course.
- There are many samples/templates available online to refer to
2. Educational Documents
The candidate must submit academic credentials for the study, work, or migration in Canada.
- Academic documents include your 10th, 12th, undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG) degrees, etc.
- Other documents like diploma courses, distance learning, etc., can also be added.
- Make sure all your educational documents are genuine.
3. Digital Photographs
4. Receipt of tuition fees
5. Income tax return document
6. Visa application fees
The application fee for a non-SDS Canada visa is similar to the SDS visa application fee. The biometric fee is CAD 85. For more information, you can visit Canada immigration’s official website.
Difference Between SDS and Non SDS Visa
The main difference between SDS and Non SDS Visa applications is that SDS is an express entry visa application for students to study in Canada.
While Non SDS Visa is a general visa application for all people to work, study and migrate to Canada.
Application Process for SDS Visa
The Candidate must fill out the application online for a first study permit. There’s no paper application for SDS. Therefore, one should make sure to align all documents.
- Instructions guide for one application form.
- Cameras and Scanner to create digital photocopies of the documents required.
- Debit or Credit card for online payment.
- Submit the biometrics online by visiting the Canada official visa website and submitting the biometrics fee.
Application Process for Non SDS Visa
- Create your online account on the CIC Canada website, and get your user ID and password. Accept the terms and conditions.
- Fill out the ID validation area after creating the account.
- Enter the personal reference code after starting the online application.
(If one does not have the PRC, determine eligibility by answering the basic questions. In the end, save the application and exit the questionnaire)
- After answering, the page will tell you whether you’re eligible for the application or not. You’re all set for the next stage if the pop-up announces you as eligible.
- The applicant should review all the given answers.
- Check the checklist as well as the required documents. You may add necessary documents if needed.
- You’re all set to apply now.
Here is a step by step guide on how to apply for Non SDS Canada visa.
List of SDS Colleges
- The Lawrence College.
- The Sault College
- The parkland college
- College of the Rockies
- The George Brown college
- Algonquin College
- The LaSalle College
- The Dausan College etc
Complete list of SDS COLLEGES >>> Here
List of Non SDS Colleges
- Lakehead University
- McMaster University
- University of Windsor
- Royal Roads University
- Thompson Rivers University
- York University
Complete list of Non SDS Colleges >>> Here
Why Choose SDS Over Non SDS Visa
1. Less Documentation is required
Students don’t have to submit many documents to prove their financial eligibility under the SDS.
On the other hand, Non SDS requires a number of documents considering that it is open to international students who could not make the SDS VISA.
One of the advantages of the SDS program over non-SDS is that candidates do not have to submit a lot of documents to prove their financial eligibility, while under non-SDS, the numbers of documents that have to be submitted are way too many.
Two of the most important documentation required for the SDS program include an International English Language Testing System or IELTS score of 6.0 or higher and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of CAD 10,000 or more.
2. Fast Application process
Student Direct Stream is more streamlined and straightforward than the Non SDS. The total time for Visa processing after an application is about 20 calendar days.
3. Ensures Financial Stability
Under SDS, the candidate must hold funds of CAD 10,000 to meet the daily expenses while in Canada. Eventually, it makes the person survive financially under any circumstances.
4. Higher Success Rate
SDS tops the list when it comes to SDS and Non SDS visa success rates. As Canada receives millions of applications every year, applicants under SDS are 75-85% successful conversions, which is higher than other visa categories.
5. Access to more Institutions
All colleges and universities at international standards come under DLIs, where students get direct access to those institutions and pursue a degree that suits them the best.
What is the Succes Rate of SDS and Non SDS Visa
If a student cannot meet the financial requirements of SDS, they can apply for a Non SDS. The Non SDS is relatively lower than the SDS category.
This is because the number of documents in SDS is less than Non SDS. SDS success rate in 2021 was 71%, while Non SDS was at 40%
SDS vs Non SDS Visa Processing Time
SDS can only take up to 20 calendar days if eligibility requirements are met. Only applications submitted electronically are eligible for SDS, which takes about 4-6 weeks.
Unlike Non SDS, which requires lots of documents and visa processing and application taking up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
While one may be discouraged about SDS and its application process, it is very important to note that Non SDS is relatively good, especially for students who are from the mentioned African and Asian countries.
Non SDS Visa allows international students of interest to apply to school in Canada, which provides a larger accommodation to eligible documents hence the many documents involved in its application.
SDS is faster to process and requires less documentation, unlike Non SDS, which may take longer and needs a lot of documentation.
However, Candidates are encouraged to read through the SDS and Non SDS visa requirements before making a choice of which platform to follow to apply to.
Frequently Asked Questions On SDS and Non SDS Canada
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