SDS Canada full form is Student Direct Stream Canada. The SDS process is used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to make the process of Canadian study permit quicker, easier and more efficient. Ensuring the Canadian SDS requirements are met during application is a must for a smooth process. The processing time for a Canada SDS visa is 20 calendar days.
What is the SDS Category in Canada?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the SDS category in Canada. Students applying to Canadian universities and colleges can expect a faster visa process due to SDS. The SDS category is helpful for students living in countries such as:
| Antigua and Barbuda | Brazil |
| China | Colombia |
| Costa Rica | India |
| Morocco | Pakistan |
| Peru | Philippines |
| Senegal | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Vietnam |
Canada SDS Visa Requirements
The eligibility requirements for a Canada SDS visa are as follows:
- Must have a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL)
- Acceptance letter from a post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Must pay tuition fee for the first year
- Students must buy a Guaranteed Investment of Certificate (GIC) of $20,635
- Medical Examination and Police Certificate
- Transcripts of secondary or post-secondary school
- Must have the minimum required score for one of the following:
| Test Name | Minimum Score Required |
| CAEL | 60 |
| CELPIP | 7 or higher for each ability |
| IELTS Academic | 6 |
| IELTS General | 7 or higher for each ability |
| PTE Academic | 60 |
| TCF Canada | 7 or higher for each ability |
| TCF Tout Public | 400 |
| TEF Canada | 7 or higher for each ability |
| TEF 5 épreuves | 400 |
| TOEFL iBT | 83 |
Documents Required for SDS Visa Canada
Documents required for an SDS visa in Canada are as follows:
- Copy of acceptance letter from DLI
- Most recent secondary or postsecondary academic transcripts
- Copy of your Medical examination
- Proof of GIC payment
- An official letter from DLI confirming payment of tuition fee
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Identification proof
- Application for study permit made outside Canada
- Family information form (if required)
- Temporary Resident Visa application form (if required)
How to Apply for an SDS Visa Canada?
Aspirants are required to apply online for faster visa processing for their study permit. There is no offline or paper application for the same. Before you start your SDS application process, ensure that you have scanned copies of your documents and a working debit/credit card to make the payment. The step-by-step process for applying for an SDS visa in Canada is as follows:
- Visit the official website of IRCC and fill out the application IMM 1294 form (Required for everyone)
- Upload scanned copies of your required documents (personal and academic)
- Pay the application fee (CAD 150 for the SDS application fee and CAD 85 for the biometric fee)
- Once you have paid the biometric fee, provide your photo and fingerprints
What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a Canadian investment with a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period. GIC is a proof of funds for students, indicating that they have an amount in backup to fund their expenses. Financial Institutions that offer GICs to the students are as follows:
| Bank of China (Canada) | Bank of Montreal |
| Bank of Nova Scotia | Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce |
| Habib Canadian Bank | ICICI Bank Canada |
| Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Canada) | National Bank of Canada |
| Royal Bank of Canada | SBI Canada Bank |
| Shinhan Bank Canada | The Toronto-Dominion Bank |
SDS Colleges and Non-SDS Colleges in Canada
Various colleges and universities are accepting SDS or non-SDS applications. The list of colleges is tabulated below:
| SDS Colleges | Non-SDS Colleges |
| University of Waterloo | Brock University |
| Lakehead University | University Canada West |
| Queen’s University | University of Windsor |
| Durham College | York University |
| University of Toronto | Cape Breton University |
| Parkland College | McMaster University |
| University of Guelph | King’s University College |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I am not eligible for the SDS visa requirement?
You can apply for a regular study permit if you are not eligible for the SDS visa requirement.
Can I apply for an SDS visa in Canada offline?
No, the application process for an SDS visa in Canada must be completed and submitted online.
How long is the processing period for SDS visa applications?
The processing time is 20 days for an SDS visa application in Canada. However, some applications may take longer.
Can I bring my spouse with me on an SDS visa in Canada?
Yes, you can bring your spouse with you, but they are required to apply for a visitor visa or work or study permit.
Is a medical examination required for the SDS visa in Canada?
Yes, a medical examination is required for the SDS visa in Canada to ensure that the aspirants meet Canadian health standards.
