Difference Between SDS and Non-SDS

If you are planning to study in Canada, you might get confused between terms such as SDS and Non-SDS during the visa application process. SDS stands for Student Direct Stream, formerly known as the Students Partner Program, and is open to certain countries like India, Brazil, etc. Non-SDS is a general visa application process for temporary residence for work, study, and immigration in Canada. It is open to all international travellers irrespective of country of origin. In this blog, we will discuss about the difference between SDS and Non-SDS.

Also Read: UK Visa Tracking with GWF Number

New IELTS Requirements for Canada SDS

• IELTS requirements for Canada SDS will change starting on August 10, 2023, according to IRCC.
• IELTS test takers utilizing the SDS program will now need to achieve an overall 6.0 band in order to be accepted.
• To emphasize the significance of the test-taker’s comprehensive abilities, it was decided to remove the individual score of 6.0 bands.
• The most recent modification to the IELTS criteria is intended to provide international students with better possibilities to complete their studies in Canada.

What is SDS?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was formerly known as the Students Partner Program (SPP). It is an initiative by Canadian Immigration Services. Under the SDS approach, student visa applications are processed quickly and directly if they want to study in Canada. However, you can only submit your SDS application through an online medium. Also, students must meet certain requirements set by Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada under the SDS category. 

What is Non-SDS?

Non-SDS is a general category to apply for a visa application to study in Canada. Under this approach, candidates who are incapable of meeting the SDS requirements get a chance to apply. The requirements will also be different as more documents may be required. 

SDS VsNon SDS

SDS (Student Direct Stream) is an express-entry visa application for students to study in Canada, whereas Non-SDS is a general visa application for everyone to work, study, or move to Canada. This is the fundamental distinction between SDS and non-SDS visa applications. Additionally, Non-SDS is applicable to all countries, whereas SDS is only for specific nations like China, India, Peru, and others.

Must Read: Canada Work Permit

SDS Document Requirements for Visa Application

• Official academic transcripts, including the 12th mark sheet. Candidates must have scored at least 55% aggregate marks for undergraduate courses. 
• Undergraduate degree or advanced diploma. Applicants must have a minimum of 50% or above to pursue postgraduate courses. 
• Statement of Purpose
• English proficiency test scores with IELTS of minimum 6.0 for UG and an overall band of 6.5 for PG. 
• Offer letters from the colleges falling under SDS. 
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 (INR 7.4 lakhs) to cover the cost of living. 
• Digital Photographs 
• Proof of previous work experience
• Receipt of tuition fees
• Proof of necessary medical tests
• Visa application fees of $150 (INR 11K approx) 

Also Read: Canada Student Visa IELTS Band Requirements

Non-SDS Document Requirements for Visa Application

• Official academic transcripts, including the 12th mark sheet. Candidates must have scored at least 55% aggregate marks for undergraduate courses. 
• Undergraduate degree or advanced diploma. Applicants must have a minimum of 50% or above to pursue postgraduate courses. 
• English proficiency test scores with IELTS of minimum 6.0 for UG and an overall band of 6.5 for PG. 
• Offer letter from the colleges participating under Non-SDS. 
• Proof of previous work experience and payslips for the last 3 months. 
• Proof of financial funds covering bank savings, student loans, investments, etc. 
• Income tax return documents or form 16 either of the candidate or the sponsor
• Receipt of tuition fees
• Proof of necessary medical tests
• Visa application fees of $150 

Why Choose SDS over Non-SDS?

Now you are familiar with the difference between SDS and Non-SDS, here are the main reasons why the SDS approach is considered better than Non-SDS for visa applications.

• Less Documentation: Under the SDS category, candidates don’t have to submit many documents to provide financial eligibility. Whereas in the Non-SDS approach, the number of documents is more. 
• Fast Process: The SDS approach is streamlined and simple as compared to non-SDS. The entire time duration takes around 45 days. 

Also Read: UK vs Canada: Where to Study in 2023-2024?

Application Process for SDS 

For faster processing of your study permit, you must apply online. There is no paper application for Student Direct Stream. Therefore, make sure to align all your documents before applying. Here’s the checklist: 

• Instruction guide for your application form
• Scanner or camera to make digital copies of your supporting documents
• Valid credit/debit card for the payment 
• Give your biometrics. Visit the official website, answer the asked questions and submit the biometric fee. 

Application Process for Non-SDS

• Step 1: Visit the official website of CIC Canada and sign in with your GCKey user ID and password. Accept all the terms and conditions and fill in the identification validation.
• Step 2: Start your application and enter the personal reference code. If you do not have the code, determine your eligibility by answering some questions and applying online. Finally, save and exit the questionnaire. 
• Step 3: After answering all the questions, you will get a pop-up on whether you are eligible or not. If you qualify, let’s follow the next step.
• Step 4: Review all your answers!
• Step 5: Check your personal checklist and documents. Add any requirements if you missed out on any. 
• Step 6: Submit your application. 

Also Read: Study in Canada from Anywhere with Free Online Courses at Canadian Colleges

List of SDS Colleges in Canada 

Most of the colleges in Canada have their Designated Learning Number (DLN) that enlists the institution as a part of the collaboration under the SDS program. The SDS colleges in Canada are: 

• Sheridan College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
• George Brown College
• Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
• Red River College of Applied Arts, Science & Technology
• Niagara College
• Parkland College
• Fleming College
• Loyalist College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Canadore College
• Vancouver Island University
• Northern Lights College
• Columbia International College 
• Lakeland College 
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
• Lasalle College
• Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Sault College
• Northern College 
• Mohawk College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Lawrence College
• Dawson College
• Alberta Bible College
• Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Niagara College
• Loyalist College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Lambton College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Georgian College of Arts & Technology
• Fanshawe College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Durham College
• Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Conestoga College
• Clair College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Canadore College -North Bay, Ontario
• Cambrian College of Applied Arts & Technology
• Algonquin College
• Camosun College
• College of New Caledonia
• College of the Rockies
• Columbia International College
• Douglas College
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Langara College
• North Island College
• Northern Lights College
• Okanagan College
• Selkirk College
• University of the Fraser Valley
• Vancouver Community College
• Vancouver Island University 
• Bow Valley College, Calgary
• Lakeland College
• Medicine Hat College
• Norquest College
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
• Assiniboine Community College
• Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, Winnipeg 
• Red River College of Applied Arts, Science & Technology
• Parkland College
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic
• Lasalle College

Must Read: Top 10 Colleges in Canada

Success Rates of Both Categories

The success rate for non-SDS visa applications is significantly lower than for SDS applications. This is due to the fact that there are fewer documents in SDS than in non-SDS. According to the IRCC, the success rate for SDS candidates in 2021 was 71%, compared to 40% for non-SDS applicants.

Family Members of Study Permit Applicants Under the SDS & Non-SDS Category

If they apply at the same time as the primary applicant for a study permit, the family members of that applicant may get concurrent processing. As a family unit, the family members must submit their online requests for temporary residence permits for jobs, studies, or living.

FAQs 

Did IRCC Raise the Cost of Living Requirement for Study Permits in Canada From Jan’24?

We hope you have got the clarity between the two. Are you looking to study in Canada? Get a chance to talk to our Leverage Edu experts and learn how to proceed with the application process! 

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