Students who are ready to attend university in Canada must know about the visa requirements that are necessary for them along with the difference and importance of SDS vs Non-SDS in detail. We have discussed everything about SDS and Non-SDS visa applications and which is the best among them. Read this article to know about the requirements for studying abroad in Canada.
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What does SDS mean?
The SDS, or Student Direct Stream, was created especially to speed up the Canada Study Permit Application procedure for students applying for study visas. Students from Brazil and India are the only ones who qualify for SDS. To study in Canada, however, the applicants would need to meet a number of criteria set up by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Visa Requirements for SDS:
There is specific documentation that candidates must submit to meet the SDS visa requirements in order to qualify for the category.
1. Results of the Language Proficiency Test
- Candidates must meet the requirements for an English Proficiency Test and pass it within two years of submitting their SDS application.
- IELTS Academic or IELTS General testing is available for candidates.
- Reading, Speaking, Writing, and Listening sections each require a minimum score of 6.0 bands or above.
2. Current Passport
A current passport is required for students who want to apply for a student visa in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will not grant a study permit, temporary resident visa (TRV), or any other document if the passport’s expiration date has passed.
3. GIC( Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
Students must deposit a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least 10000 CAD. With the assistance of this money, individuals can feel secure in Canada and even have extra money to cover unexpected costs. The money would be kept by the bank in a student or investment account and would not be usable until the applicant arrived in Canada.
4. School Fee
Students should pay first-year tuition fees fully and then must submit documentation in the form below as evidence.
- A confirmation from the DLI, the Designated Learning Institution.
- A formal letter serving as payment confirmation from a DLI.
- The bank’s receipt shows that the DLI has received the payment for tuition.
- A confirmation of the deposit of the tuition fee sum into the DLI’s repository account.
5. Acceptance Letter
The Designated Learning Institute (DLI), where the candidates seek additional education, issues them an acceptance letter. Several Canadian colleges and universities now hold DLI titles thanks to the provincial and territorial governments.
6. Academic Textbooks
Students are required to present all previous, verified academic records. The certificates could be for grades 10 and 12, a diploma, and a graduation certificate (if applicable). The most recent secondary or post-secondary academic record is further needed.
7. Medical Check-up
Additionally, students would need to provide an upfront medical confirmation document that would serve as proof of a physical exam by an outside doctor. An entire body check will be part of the examination.
8. Statement of Purpose
A student visa depends on the Statement of Purpose (SOP). Applicants must prepare an SOP whether they are applying for SDS or non-SDS. They must explain why they are selecting a specific subject at a Canadian institution; it is similar to an essay in this regard. It helps the visa officer understand the candidate’s background and interests.
9. Photographic Image
Another requirement is for the candidate to have digital photos. The image must be 35×45 pixels and 80% enlarged on a white background.
Some of 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
- 12. Columbia International College
- 13. Lakeland College
- 14. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
- 15. Lasalle College
- 16. Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology
What does non-SDS mean?
Let’s talk about Non-SDS since we have already covered SDS. For studying in Canada, students who do not have the SDS requirements can apply for a student visa under the Non-SDS category. To get temporary residency in Canada, students must follow the normal visa application method.
Visa Requirements for non-SDS:
1. Test of Language Proficiency
The non-SDS Canada requires that applicants must pass a language proficiency test. To prove their language ability, they can take eligibility tests like the TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS.
2. Current Passport
Candidates must have a current passport in order to apply for a student visa in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will not provide a temporary resident visa (TRV) or a study permit if the passport has expired. They must make sure that the permission, their study permit, and any other necessary Canadian visas or permits have all been updated before they expire.
3. The GIC, or Guaranteed Investment Certificate
The least deposit for a GIC for students is $100,000 (CAD). The deposited funds will also prove that they have additional resources to cover any expenses they might face while in Canada. They will successfully receive it when they arrive in the country.
4. School fee
Students have to prove that they have submitted the tuition payments for six months for DLI according to non-SDS visa criteria. However, they must take care to show financial stability and provide documentation to support this.
5. Medical Exam
Students are required to provide documentation of a full physical as proof of their medical testing.
6. Academic Textbooks
Students must produce valid academic records. The documents will contain their past academic records, such as their tenth- and twelfth-grade, diplomas, and graduation certificates.
7. Photographic Images
Students must submit digital photos that meet requirements like 35×45 and a white background at 80% zoom.
8. Statement of Purpose
Both SDS and non-SDS cases require a Statement of Purpose (SOP). It is more similar to an essay in which they must explain why they decided to pursue their education in Canada as well as why they selected the particular subject.
9. Accounting Records
Students participating in non-SDS courses must submit financial supporting proof for their statements of financial stability. Proof of income documents (income tax returns, Form-16, and J-Forms) are among them. Students may also include financial assets like GPF, bank records, fixed deposits, and a variety of others.
SDS and non-SDS success rates:
Applications for non-SDS visas have a far lower success percentage than those for SDS visas. This is due to the fact that SDS contains fewer documents than non-SDS.The success percentage for SDS candidates in 2021 was 71%, compared to 40% for non-SDS applicants, according to the IRCC.
Why SDS instead than Non-SDS?
SDS is always seen to be better than non-SDS. Here are a few examples of them:
1. Simpler documents
The SDS programme has an advantage over non-SDS in that applicants do not have to present a huge amount of paperwork to show their financial eligibility, whereas, with non-SDS, a ridiculous amount of paperwork is required.
2. Quick processing
The SDS program simplifies and speeds up the entire procedure. The entire processing cycle lasts about 20 days. However, it is necessary for students to fulfil all program requirements. This would especially help students who want to transfer as quickly as possible to their institution or university.
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Once the application has been filed, switching between SDS and non-SDS categories is typically not an option. Applicants must select the category that best fits their qualifications.
The majority of post-secondary programs, including those offered by Canadian colleges, universities, and authorised learning institutions, accept SDS applications.
