SDS Colleges in Canada

SDS stands for Student Direct Stream which is an expedited study permit processing program applicable to those planning to pursue their post-secondary education from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If you are aspiring to pursue higher studies in Canada, it is important to explore programs at SDS colleges that have a simpler student visa application process carried out in lesser time and with minimal financial documentation. This blog aims to elaborate on the major features of applying for SDS colleges in Canada, along with a comprehensive list of these institutions and the admission criteria you need to fulfil.

Must Read: Top 10 Colleges in Canada

Register here for a FREE Career Counselling Session!

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-takers 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 Student Direct System (SDS)?

Although the SDS allows for a more simplified application process and speedier processing times, you must still fulfil all of the study permit criteria. The processing period for SDS study permit applications will be 45 days or less. You will be able to request a complete return of your Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from the bank that issued it.

We highly advise you to submit your application at least three months before to your intended travel date. Applications received after the first of April for May entrance, after the first of August for September entry, and after the first of December for January admission may not be processed in time for the commencement of the semester and may be denied. To fund your living expenses, you will need roughly $10,000 CAD per year, not including education fees, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada standards. This criterion is met by purchasing a participating GIC and providing proof of payment for your tuition expenses. The partnering Canadian banking institutions include Scotiabank, ICICI Bank Canada, and SBI Canada Bank at the moment.

Study in Canada News Updates

• Canada has extended its ban on direct commercial flights from India till 21st September because of the spread of Delta-variant in India.
• Students are likely to experience a delay in the issuance of visa applications and acceptance letters from DLI Canadian institutes and universities
• Indian students can continue their education in distance learning mode till the flights resume and can take online courses to complete their credits.

What are SDS Colleges in Canada?

Student Direct Stream or SDS refers to a fast visa processing method which was brought forward by the Canadian High Commission in collaboration with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). With the implementation of the new SDS policies, students hailing from select countries can apply to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online for their VISA application which will be further processed within a span of 20 calendar days. These submitted applications are then reviewed and processed under the regular study permit application stream and are subject to the rest of the eligibility and admissibility criteria under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Who Can Apply Under SDS?

The applicability of SDS is limited to only those students of select countries that can apply for an expedited permit for pursuing their post-secondary education at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada. Below mentioned are these countries whose residents are eligible to apply to SDS colleges in Canada: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• India 
• Morocco
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Philippines
• Senegal
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vietnam

Features and Rules of SDS Program Canada for India

According to the new guidelines, the SDS program has several unique requirements and restrictions, which are as follows:

• IELTS band 6 is now the minimum criterion in each module.
• a copy of your letter of acceptance from a specified educational institution
• a copy of your confirmation paperwork for your initial medical exam
• You must provide proof of a $10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
• You must show proof that you have paid your first year’s tuition costs.

Necessary Documents for SDS Program

Students who want to study in Canada under the Student Direct Stream program should bring the following documents with them to speed up the application process:

• Documents pertaining to prior academic achievements
• A receipt for the $10,000 GIC payment
• a copy of a recent medical checkup performed by a licensed facility
• Proof of payment of the first-year tuition charge
• IELTS test results
• a copy of one of the SDS colleges’ acceptance letter

Advantages of Applying Under SDS

The following are the main benefits of applying under SDS:

• Less financial documentation
• Faster visa processing time

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

Eligibility & How to Apply for SDS Colleges in Canada?

With the new SDS program in effect from June 8, 2018, students wanting to take admitted to one of the SDS Colleges in Canada need to fulfil some eligibility requirements in order to apply for their chosen course. So, while applying for admission to the SDS college of your choice, make sure you keep all the necessary documents ready and submit them in time. To help you understand the application process, we have compiled a check-list of all the things that Indian Students must pay heed to while applying at any of the SDS colleges in Canada:

• You must clear the minimum criteria of IELTS which is a score of 6 bands or more for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. 
• The college or institution where you are seeking admission must be registered under the Designated Learning Institutions and must have a corresponding number for it. 
• You would be required to submit a Letter of Acceptance provided by the institution where you are planning to pursue a course.
• One of the crucial steps in the process of taking admission to one of the SDS Colleges in Canada is that students need to pay the tuition fees for their first year of education in advance at the time of VISA application. 
• You ought to buy a Guaranteed Investment of Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 to fulfil the study permit requirements of immigration and citizenship and to guarantee the availability of the funds. 

Banks that offer GIC in India are: 

1. Scotia Bank
2. ICICI Bank
3. SBI Canada
4. HSBC Bank of Canada
5. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce 

• You ought to submit a copy of your recent medical examination from an authorized body of doctors or a certified medical institution. 
• You need to submit the documents pertaining to your academic background with all of your previous qualifications and achievements. 

FAQs

We hope that this blog helped you understand the chief features of SDS colleges in Canada and how you can apply for admission in one of these institutions. If you are planning to pursue higher studies in Canada, you can always get in touch with our team of experts at Leverage Edu who will help you in selecting a suitable course and university as well as throughout the application process from writing an impressive SOP to finalising accommodations.