SDS and Non SDS Canada Visa Application, Eligibility, Difference
SDS and Non SDS Canada Visa Application: Learn the key Differences, requirements, documentation, and more about SDS vs Non SDS Canada Visa Application.
Krati Saraswat1 Dec, 2024
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SDS and Non SDS Canada Visa Application: Canada is a popular destination for international students. Every year thousands of students apply for study permits to study in Canada. Canada offers two types of visas for international students: SDS and Non SDS. Choosing between SDS vs Non SDS is essential to deciding the Canada universities and programme details.
SDS visa category offers a shorter visa processing duration in comparison to Non SDS Canada. Additionally, documentation requirements, eligibility criteria, and success rates are also different for SDS and Non SDS. In this article, we will explore the difference between SDS and Non SDS, their respective requirements, and what each category means for international students.Read More: Canada Intakes 2025
SDS and Non SDS Canada Visa Application
Canadian government grants visa to international students to complete their higher education in popular universities in the country. There are mainly two types of Canadian visa for Indian students: SDS Canada visa and Non SDS visa. To apply for a study permit, students must submit SDS and Non SDS Canada visa application along with necessary documents. To learn more about SDS and Non SDS Canada visa read the article till the end.What Is an SDS Visa?
Student Direct Stream commonly known as SDS is a streamlined study permit application process launched by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada. The Canadian government created this program to offer an easier and quicker visa process for eligible international students applying to universities and colleges in Canada. SDS applications often have a success rate of around 70-80% or higher depending on the country of origin and eligibility criteria. Eligible students can access their Canada student visa in 2-3 weeks and most applications are processed within 20 days. Please note that students applying for the SDS visa should necessarily have health insurance coverage to demonstrate their financial stability to access medical care while studying in Canada.What Is a Non SDS Visa?
A Non SDS means a standard visa application process for studying, living, and working in Canada. This is a standard visa application process that typically involves longer processing times and applies to all countries. Unlike the SDS, Non SDS visa offers more flexible eligibility requirements for international students. However, this visa type may ask for some additional documentation including bank statements, educational transcripts, and more. Candidates who do not meet SDS Canada requirements can apply for Non SDS to complete their dream of studying in Canada.Difference Between SDS and Non SDS
Attaining a Canada study visa is the prerequisite for studying in Canada for international students. Students can apply for a study permit through either the Student Direct Stream (SDS) or the Non SDS process. Both SDS and Non SDS enable students to pursue higher education in Canada. The duration of visa processing, eligibility requirements, and documentation are different for both visa types. Therefore, selecting between the two can be stressful for students. Here, we have provided a detailed analysis of the key difference between SDS and Non SDS in Canada.| SDS vs Non SDS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Aspect | SDS (Student Direct Stream) | Non SDS (Non-Student Direct Stream) |
| Eligibility | Limited countries | Open to all countries |
| Processing Time | Faster (around 20 days) | Slower |
| Success Rates | 70% | 30% |
| Medium | Online | Can be submitted offline |
| Application Process | Streamlined online | More complex (online or paper) |
| Application Requirements | Simplified application process | More traditional application process |
| Language Proficiency | Specific language test scores required | Language proficiency requirements may vary depending on the institution and programme |
| Application Fees | The biometric fee is CAD 85 or INR 5K. | The biometric fee is INR 5K |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory health insurance coverage required | Mandatory health insurance coverage required |
Eligibility Requirement for SDS and Non SDS Canada
Applying for Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Non-Student Direct Stream (Non SDS) has a unique set of eligibility requirements. All students must qualify for the specific eligibility criteria to apply the either visa process. Eligibility requirements for both SDS vs Non SDS are as follows:SDS Visa Requirements
A few standard requirements for SDS Canada visa are as follows:- Students must be permanent residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, and Vietnam.
- Students must provide a provincial attestation letter from the province or territory to verify their acceptance to a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Candidates must be living outside Canada while applying for the SDA Canada visa.
- For students studying outside Quebec, proof of payment for the first year’s tuition is mandatory.
- Students must demonstrate a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) to cover the cost of living in Canada .
- Minimum scores in any English language proficiency tests.
- Attachment of academic transcripts is required.
- A police certificate to check criminal records.
Non SDS Visa Requirements
The Non SDS visa application requires the following eligibility requirements:- Students must complete their class 12 exam, postgraduate, or advanced diploma courses with at least 55% and 50% respectively.
- Students must demonstrate an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI).
- Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS , TOEFL ) is necessary.
- An investment of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000 to demonstrate stable financial stability.
- A medical examination from a recognised institution is required.
Documents Required for SDS vs Non SDS Canada
Submitting the mandatory documents is a crucial step for both SDS and Non SDS visa process. These documents are used to evaluate the eligibility of the candidate for studying in Canada. All students are required to attach all the required documents at the time of application submission for both SDS and Non SDS visas. The inability to submit the documents may lead to rejection of the candidature.SDS Visa Requirements
Below is the list of documents required by IRCC for the SDS application process:- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) payment proof
- Valid passport
- Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Academic transcripts
- IELTS TRF or any other English language proficiency test certificate
- First-year tuition fee payment proof.
- Medical examination certificate
Non SDS Visa Requirements
The Non SDS category requires a comprehensive list of documents as follows:- Academic transcripts
- English language proficiency test certificate
- Offer letter from a recognized university accepting Non SDS
- Undergraduate degree or advanced diploma
- Income tax return documents
- Evidence of prior work experience
- Tuition fee payment proof
- Medical test documents
- Visa application fee
- Proof of financial support
English Language Tests
Most Canada universities require proof of English language proficiency from international students to grant SDS or Non SDS visa for studies or work opportunities. The specific requirement may vary depending on programme offered and the mode of education. Here a standard SDS and Non SDS requirements for English language proficiency:- IELTS : 6.0
- CAEL : 60
- TOEFL iBT : 83
- PTE : 60
| IELTS Registration | IELTS Exam Dates |
| IELTS Exam Fees | IELTS Exam Pattern |
Why Choose SDS over Non SDS?
SDS and Non SDS pathways offer study permits for international students to study in Canada . However, most of the study-abroad students prefer SDS Canada visa over Non SDS one due to its shorter duration and processing. Here are some popular reasons to choose SDS over Non SDS:- Faster processing time
- Simplified documentation
- Higher approval rates
- Access to prestigious Canadian institutions
- Pre-approved financial stability
- Support for career and residency pathways
- Priority for select countries
Read More : Reasons To Study In Canada For Indian Students
Popular Universities for SDS and Non SDS Canada
Choosing the right visa application- SDS vs Non SDS can impact your decision for selecting the specific university and programme. Many universities offer admission to international students for both visa pathways.| Universities for SDS in Canada | ||
|---|---|---|
| University | QS 2025 Rank | THE 2025 Rank |
| University of Toronto | 21 | 21 |
| University of British Columbia | 34 | 40 |
| McGill University | 31 | 44 |
| University of Alberta | 104 | 118 |
| University of Waterloo | 112 | 201-250 |
| Universities for Non SDS in Canada | |
|---|---|
| University Name | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
| University of Windsor | 751-800 |
| Brock University | 1001-1200 |
| University of Regina | 1001-1200 |
| Cape Breton University (CBU) | N/A |
| Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) | N/A |
| IELTS Practice Tests | Free IELTS General Practice Tests PDFs |
| Free IELTS Reading Practice Tests | IELTS Mock Test |
| IELTS Books And Study Guide | IELTS Online Courses in India by PW |
SDS and Non SDS Canada Visa Application FAQs
Q. What is the difference between SDS and Non SDS visa applications?
SDS visa offers a faster processing time in comparison to Non SDS. The success rate of SDS Canada is 70%, whereas, it is around 30% for Non SDS. However, both pathways require English language proficiency, financial proof, and medical examination to apply to study in Canada.
Q. Who is eligible for SDS Canada?
Candidates who are permanent residents of designated countries such as India, China, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, etc, have an acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of funds, a GIC, and meet specific IELTS requirements are eligible for SDS Canada.
Q. What is the IELTS score required for SDS category Canada?
The minimum IELTS score required for SDS Canada is 6.0. The requirements may differ for specific programmes and universities.
Q. Which colleges accept Non SDS in Canada?
All Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) accept Non SDS in Canada. Some colleges may have specific requirements or preferences. Therefore, students are advised to check the eligibility requirements of different colleges before applying.
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