SDS and Non-SDS Canada visa applications

The terms SDS and non-SDS can be confusing for international students applying for Canadian student visas. SDS and Non-SDS Canada visa applications. First, let’s have a handle on each of these concepts before we look at how they differ.

The Canadian Immigration Authorities established the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, formerly known as the Students Partner Programme (SPP), to facilitate SDS and Non-SDS Canada visa applications. Additionally, sometimes the general category refers to the non-SDS category. Applying to study in Canada using this route is an extra option. Applicants who have been unsuccessful in obtaining a temporary work and study permit in Canada can seek assistance through a general visa application route known as non-SDS. 

What is SDS?

For students applying for a study visa to Canada, the SDS, short for “Student Direct Stream,” streamlines the application procedure. Students residing in Brazil and India are the only ones who qualify for SDS. Nevertheless, in order to study in Canada, applicants must meet the criteria established by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada program.

Things Needed for an SDS Visa

There is specific documentation that candidates must present in order to be qualified for the SDS visa category.

1. The Language Proficiency Exam Findings

To be eligible for the SDS, applicants must pass the English Proficiency Test and finish it within two years of receiving it.

Students have the option to take the IELTS Academic or the IELTS General.

They would have to get at least 6.0 on the Reading, Speaking, Writing, and Listening sections individually.

2. Passport

For all students applying for a student visa to Canada, a current passport is required. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will not issue any documents, including study permits and temporary resident visas (TRVs), if the passport expiration date has passed.

3.Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 CAD or more is required of all students. With this sum, they can rest assured that they are well-funded in Canada and can cover any unexpected costs that may arise. Until the applicant reaches Canada, the bank would keep the money in an inaccessible investment or student account. The Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) insures some banks that provide GICs, such as ICICI, SBI, CIBC, and Nova Scotia.

When students buy a GIC certificate, they’ll get not only the certificate itself but also a letter attesting to its authenticity, confirmation of their investment directions, and confirmation of their investment balance. The students will not have access to their money until the bank verifies their identity upon arrival in Canada. The candidate will get around $2,000 plus interest once they arrive in Canada and verify their identity. We will transfer this money to their student bank account. You will receive approximately $667 Canadian dollars each month for the next twelve months.

4. Tuition Fee

All first-year students are required to submit this form as evidence that they have paid the entire tuition amount.

A document confirming payment to the DLI

An official letter confirming the payment from a DLI

Tuition has been paid to the DLI, as shown on the bank receipt.

Documentation showing that the full amount of the tuition has been deposited into a DLI repository account

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5. Acceptance Letter

Designated Learning Institute (DLI) acceptance letters are sent to the candidates so they can apply for higher education. The provincial and territorial governments of Canada have authorized certain colleges and universities to operate as DLIs.

6. Educational Documents 

Verified and comprehensive copies of all student transcripts are required. Certifications from grades 10–12, as well as a diploma and, if applicable, a certificate of graduation, may be required. Additionally, we need your most current transcript from any school you attended, whether it be secondary or postsecondary.

7.Medical Examination 

Additionally, students are required to provide an upfront medical confirmation document that verifies a medical examination conducted by a panel physician. A complete physical examination is part of the checkup.

8. Statement of Purpose

An integral part of a student visa application is the Statement of Purpose (SOP). No matter if it’s for SDS or not, applicants are required to create a SOP. In it, they are essentially writing an essay in which they must justify their course selection at a Canadian university. It serves to elucidate the candidate’s profile and interests to the immigration officer.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) drafted for Canadian educational institutions differ from those drafted for the Canadian High Commission. Personal statements prepared for university applications highlight the applicant’s academic history and the courses in which they have excelled, as well as their enthusiasm for the chosen major.

9.  Digital Picture

One more thing: digital photos of the applicant are needed. Please ensure that the image is 35X45 pixels in size and has an 80% magnification on a white backdrop.

What is Non-SDS?

Students applying for a Canadian student visa should be well-versed on the differences between

1. Language Proficiency Test

All applicants must demonstrate fluency in English or French in order to be considered by non-SDS Canada. They have the option to demonstrate their language proficiency by taking an eligibility test like the IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

2. Passport

A valid passport is required of candidates in order to apply for a student visa to Canada. No study permit or temporary resident visa (TRV) will be issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in the event that the passport has expired. Along with their study permission and any other relevant Canadian permits or visas, they must make sure that the permit has been extended before it expires.

3. Guaranteed Investment Certificate  (GIC)

Students would need to put in at least $100,000 (CAD) to get a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). With the funds deposited, individuals can be even more certain that they have additional means to cover any costs that may arise in Canada. It is essentially the sum they will receive when they reach the nation.

A few examples of banks that provide GIC are SBI, ICICI, NOVA SCOTIA, and CIBC. Students will get approximately 2,000 CAD plus interest when they arrive in Canada, which will be paid into their account. Students will get around $667 CAD monthly over the following twelve months following their arrival in the nation. You can substitute proof of liquid assets for a GIC if you like.

4.Tuition Fee

Evidence of a six-month tuition deposit for DLI is required of students with non-SDS visas. Nevertheless, it is crucial that they demonstrate financial stability and provide evidence of it.

5. Medical Examination

As evidence of medical examination, students are required to present a paper indicating a full-body examination.

6. Educational Documents

All submitted academic papers must be authentic. Their transcripts will feature their academic credentials, including their 10th, 12th, graduation, and diploma certificates.

7. Digital Pictures

Digital images submitted by students must adhere to certain guidelines, such as a 35×45 pixel resolution and an 80% zoom-in white background.

8. Statement of Purpose

An essential component of any SDS or non-SDS is a Statement of Purpose (SOP). It takes the format of an essay in which the applicant must explain why they have decided to study in Canada and, more specifically, why they have chosen this particular major.

9.  Financial Documents

In order to demonstrate financial stability under non-SDS, students are required to produce supporting financial records. Income Tax Returns, Form-16, and J-Forms are examples of the necessary paperwork. Students also have the option to include liquid assets such as GPF, bank statements, fixed deposits, and a variety of others

What Makes SDS Superior to Non-SDS?

SDS is always deemed superior than non-SDS, these are the differences SDS and Non-SDS Canada visa applications

1. Lower-quality papers

Candidates applying through the SDS programme have an advantage over those applying through non-SDS in that they are not need to present as many documentation attesting to their financial eligibility. An IELTS score of 6.0 or above and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of CAD 10,000 or more are two of the most crucial pieces of documents needed for the SDS programme.

2. Fast processing

SDS and Non-SDS Canada visa applications, The SDS programme simplifies and streamlines the entire procedure. The entire processing time is approximately twenty days. Students must, however, complete the programme in its entirety. Students that wish to get to their institution or college as soon as possible would appreciate this.

Programs offered by upgrade Abroad in partnership with some of the top Canadian educational institutions are worth looking into for those who are serious about attending university in Canada. BBA and BCA programs have been offered by upgrade Abroad in partnership with Fraser Valley University and Yorkshire University, respectively. For further information and to apply for the SDS program.