SDS Colleges in Canada

Are you aware that applying through Student Direct Stream Canada can reduce the visa processing time to 20 days? One of the most impressive educational systems in the world is found in Canada.

What is SDS Canada?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a streamlined approach enabling overseas students to receive study permits in Canada faster than the usual method. While the ordinary or non-SDS visa comes within the general student visa category, the SDS program provides a more expedited application procedure and is available to citizens of certain countries.

List of SDS Colleges in Canada

The following is a complete list of SDS-approved colleges and institutions in Canada. These colleges participate in the Student Direct Stream Canada program, which allows students to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) when they graduate.

List of Countries Under SDS

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program is offered to foreign students from select countries and provides speedier visa processing for those who satisfy the qualifying requirements. The initiative enables students from these countries to get study permits swiftly and conveniently.

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

Documents for the SDS Program

To apply for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, candidates must provide numerous papers to guarantee smooth and expedited visa processing.

• A letter of admission from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada is required.
• Certificate of Acceptance du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Diversité et de l'Inclusion (needed solely for students wanting to study in Quebec).
• Language exams: Effective August 10, 2023, the following English language exams are acceptable for SDS applicants by IRCC:

1. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Programme (CELPIP General): Minimum score of 7
2. Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): A minimum score of 60
3. Pearson The minimum English test score (PTE Academic) is 60.

• There is a minimum score of 83 required for the TOEFL iBT.
• For IELTS Academic, candidates must have an overall band score of 6.0 starting August 10, 2023. Before this date, a 6.0 score in each skill part was necessary.
• A score of 6.0 is required for each skill in IELTS General Training (speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
• Applicants for the TEST de Evaluation de Français (TEF) must obtain a CLB 7 in all areas, with a minimum of 310 in speaking and writing, 249 in listening, and 207 in reading.
• Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC) Proof of CAD 10,000 (from January 1, 2024, students must prove CAD 20,635 in a bank guaranteed by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Scheme (CDIC).
• Proof of complete payment for the first year of studies.
• Educational transcripts demonstrating past academic success.
• Medical check and police clearance (if necessary).

Application Procedure for the SDS Program

To apply for a Canadian study visa via the Student Direct Stream (SDS), you must complete the application online. Below is a step-by-step detailed process:

• Start with the online application: Fill out the SDS study permit application form on the official Canadian immigration website. Pay fees for biometrics as per instructions. After the form has been duly filled, apply online.
• Provide Biometrics: Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a letter shortly that requests your biometric information. A visa and/or permit processing officer may require your biometrics at the local visa application centre if this information was not obtained in the course of the VAC or other temporary application point-giving biometrics process. You have to do this in 30 days at the VAC. Please note that your application will not be processed until you have submitted these.
• Submit Medical Exam and Police Certificate: Depending on your country of residency, you may be asked to provide a medical exam report and/or a police clearance certificate.
• Wait for application processing: If you match the SDS eligibility requirements your application will be handled in the accelerated stream. If you do not fulfil the SDS requirements, your application will be handled through the usual study permit track, which might take longer.
• Receive a letter of introduction: If your application is granted you will obtain a letter of introduction and a temporary residence visa. This letter is not your study permit; it must be shown to immigration agents upon your arrival in Canada.
• Get a Study Permit in Canada: When you arrive in Canada, this letter of introduction should be provided to the immigration official as the basis for the issuance of your study permit. Check the permit over, to ensure that there are no mistakes or any anomalies. Following these steps in submitting a complete application with all required documents, you will not run into unnecessary delays and be able to start studying in Canada.

SDS versus Non-SDS Visa Program

Students from certain countries can apply for a study permit using the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a new accelerated visa processing program. On the other side, the Non-SDS stream is a generic application procedure that is open to all foreign students, but it needs more documents and takes longer to complete.

The SDS program is opted for by a lot of students primarily because the processing is quite easy and fast if there is any eligibility, making it a great option. Even if the student does not fall under the criteria to apply through SDS, he/she can apply through the Non-SDS route by providing additional documents, wherein the processing time is a little more.

Takeaway

When it comes to obtaining study permits, Student Direct Stream Canada provides a quicker and more simplified route for international students who are from qualified countries. As a result of this streamlined procedure, students can devote more of their focus to their academic work rather than spending time dealing with a comprehensive visa application process.

 Looking to study at top SDS colleges in Canada? AECC is here to guide you every step of the way! With expert advice on visa processes, college applications, and course selection, we'll help you secure admission to the best SDS colleges in Canada.