Posted on: 10 Sep
SDS Vs. Non-SDS Visa Scheme For Study in Canada
Are You Planning To Study In Canada To Achieve Higher Academic Excellence ?
Congratulations! You are at the right platform where you can learn everything you need to know.
Yes, getting your study abroad visa can be time-consuming for students!
The Canadian government has announced a new visa scheme for international students called SDS (Student Direct Stream) to address this delay issue and the longer visa processing time. Learn everything in the blog below about expediting your Canadian student visa to study in Canada.
SDS (Student Direct Stream)
SDS Schemes allow international students to get their visa applications processed easily & quickly as compared to the traditional visa application process, taking up to 2-3 months.
Only students from certain countries are eligible to apply for the SDS scheme and get their study permits quickly. You can study in Canada from Dubai if you hold certain country nationalities allowed under the SDS scheme.
SDS offers additional benefits and perks to students pursuing higher education in Canada. It has some of its specific characteristics which are mentioned below:
- SDS visa processing time in 2024 is up to 20 working days
- Only online applications are accepted
- A success rate of more than 80%
- GIC is mandatory under the SDS scheme
- Applicable for certain countries only
- IELTS mandatory for the SDS scheme
- 1-year tuition fee to be paid in the SDS scheme
- The SDS scheme is valid for study permit only and not permissible for work or migration purposes
Non-SDS
Non-SDS is a generic and traditional visa process the Canadian government offers for study, work, and immigration. Students who miss their SDS chance subsequently apply through this scheme with more documentation.
It’s a lengthy process with additional documentation required.
Eligible candidates can apply online or offline with the application & biometric fee.
- Non-SDS applies to all nationalities
- Visa processing time is around 8-10 weeks
- It involves extensive documentation
- Non-SDS visa success rate is up to 40% only
- Valid for study, work, and immigration
- GIC is not mandatory under a non-SDS scheme
- Tuition fee may be paid for 6 months
Did you know?
IRCC has started to accept additional English tests apart from IELTS under the SDS scheme!
IELTS has been accepted under SDS since it was initiated, and the good news for candidates is that there is no change in the required IELTS bands.
This means applicants planning to take IELTS only require a minimum overall band of 6.0
SDS Visa Documentation
Below are the SDS Canada requirements listed by IRCC for the SDS visa process:
- Letter of acceptance from your institute
- Proof of payment for your first-year tuition fees
- GIC payment certificate proof
- IELTS test report
- Health report from an authorized physician
- Detailed academic documents
Non-SDS Visa Documentation
Below are the required documents listed by IRCC for the Non-SDS visa process:
- Proof of financial support in the form of bank statements, loans, and investments
- Tuition fee payment proof
- Prior work experience evidence to be presented. Pay slips to be included for the last 3 months
- Letter of acceptance from college falling under non-SDS scheme
- Complete academic transcripts & degrees for PG & UG course admission
- 6.5 IELTS minimum required for PG & 6.0 for UG courses
Book A Call With Us!
To learn more about the SDS visa scheme, join our weekly in-house sessions with Canada Education Consultants in UAE. Our career experts will lead you through the SDS visa scheme process and help you enroll in your dream Canadian destination. Contact us using the contact information below for an online information session with top career experts in UAE.
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