18 May 2024
Are you filing for a Canada Visa? Are you confused about SDS and Non-SDS Visa Application? If yes, here is where to learn about them both!
Understanding how the Canada visa application process can be complex can be overwhelming. So, it is important that you know which process would best meet your needs as it can help make things clear. Understanding SDS and Non-SDS applications will allow for easier decision-making when making applications to Canada.
Submitting an application for a Canada visa takes careful planning and consideration, but knowing the differences between SDS and Non-SDS applications may make the application process simpler and increase your chance of approval. Here, we explore these key differences so you can make an informed decision when applying.
Student Direct Stream (SDS) offers international students who intend to study in Canada an efficient visa application process with shorter processing times - up to 20 calendar days less processing. Available only to applicants from certain countries such as China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines, this SDS application procedure was specifically created with their convenience in mind.
Non-SDS applications represent the standard visa application process for international students planning to study in Canada. There is no set timeline for processing an application - instead it could take several weeks or even months until there is a decision regarding it.
Applying for a Canada student visa through the Student Document System (SDS) requires providing two documents.
When applying for the regular student visa application process in Canada, applicants are required to present the below specified documents as evidence:
SDS (Study Direct Stream) provides an expedited process for international students hailing from certain countries that includes citizens from India, China, Philippines Vietnam or Pakistan. If this describes you, SDS could prove immensely advantageous for many reasons.
SDS applications typically have shorter processing times than non-SDS applications; Typically, 20 days versus 60 for non-SDS ones. Therefore, you could receive your visa more quickly so you can start studying sooner.
SDS applications tend to require fewer documents, making the application process quicker and simpler than those without SDS status. When applying for this status, proof of acceptance from an approved learning institution as well as payment evidence must also be presented, along with a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of at least 10,000 Canadian dollars will all be needed for approval.
Applying for SDS certification is straightforward and user-friendly; here are the steps involved:
Check Your Eligibility for SDS.
As previously discussed, only citizens from certain countries qualify for Social Development Supports and it's essential that you verify whether your country appears on this list before beginning your application process.
Apply to a designate learning institution (DLI).
Before applying for your student visa, it is a prerequisite that you apply to and are accepted by one or more Canadian-designated learning institutions (DLI). When making the visa application you will provide proof of acceptance from this DLI.
Gather Documents
Before filing for financial aid from DLI, gather all necessary documents including proof of acceptance from them as well as payment proof for tuition and living costs as well as proof of purchasing an approved Guaranteed Investment Certificate of at least CAD 10,000.
Apply Online
Once you have all of the documents necessary, the next step in applying for your student visa online should be straightforward. Simply create an account on the Government of Canada website and follow their instructions in order to submit a complete application.
If you do not qualify for SDS, then if will need to apply for a non-SDS student visa instead. Please be aware that its application process can be more involved and require more documents than SDS; here is what to expect when filing non-SDS:
Apply to one or more designated learning institutions.
Before applying for a student visa in Canada, you will first need to apply to one or more learning institutions approved by Canada (DLIs). When filing the paperwork for your visa application, proof from these DLIs should also be presented as evidence that acceptance has occurred.
Collect the Documents
Before applying, it is necessary to gather all necessary documents such as proof of acceptance from DLI, payment receipts for tuition fees and living costs, letters of explanation from relevant people as well as proof of language proficiency certificates.
Apply Online or On Paper
There are two methods you can choose when applying for your student visa: online and paper applications. When filing online, create an account on the Government of Canada website before following its instructions to submit your application; to submit by paper download an application form from there and mail it off with payment at its designated address.
SDS visa applications typically enjoy a higher success rate compared to non-SDS ones, according to Canadian government statistics. On average, processing times for SDS visa applications average 20 calendar days but this can differ based on individual circumstances and volume of submissions received.
In summary, SDS visa applications provide students who qualify with an expedited process and shorter processing times than non-SDS applications. Not all students may fall within these criteria and so it is wise to carefully read through both categories' eligibility requirements before making their choice. Furthermore, consider Canada student visa processing times so as to prevent delays from applying.
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The biggest disadvantage in the non-SDS category in Canada is the visa processing time. The applicant has to wait for 2 to 3 months for visa approval. Next is the lack of financial stability as the applicants have to pre-plan everything to pay bills and other expenses while in Canada.
The non-SDS permit is open for application to students worldwide. The applicant must submit a GIC of CAD 10,000 or more. A particular amount is not specified but the applicant must show proof of sufficient funds to cover relevant costs, from tuition fees to living expenses, and return travel costs.
Student Direct Stream (SDS) is considered better than Non-Student Direct Stream (Non-SDS) because it requires less number of documents and has a fast processing speed. According to the success rate of SDS and Non-SDS, the SDS success rate was 71% in 2021 whereas Non-SDS had a success rate of 40%.
