The SDS vs Non-SDS visa in Canada

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** The Student Direct Stream closed on November 8 2024. For updated information on applying for a study permit in Canada, visit the link above. **

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If you are a prospective international student aiming to study in Canada, you’ve probably heard the terms SDS and Non-SDS visa. You may be slightly confused about what they mean, the differences and which is the best choice for you. We can help you by comparing the two visa options and explaining the eligibility criteria and requirements. This will help you to make an informed choice on the Canadian visa type that works best for you.

What is an SDS visa?

A Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa is a prioritised and fast-tracked study permit application programme for students from designated countries. Visa applicants must be accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI) and have evidence of one year's payment of tuition fees. 

There have recently been changes to the SDS Language Requirements, and the required level of English language proficiency is an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or equivalent. If you decide to take the PTE Academic test, you will need a score of 60, equal to an IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0. Other accepted English tests for SDS include TOEFL and CAEL.

Using the SDS application service, you can expect to have your visa processed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada within 20 working days. All applications are submitted electronically, which makes the process easier for students applying from abroad. 

Discover more about the top universities in Canada. 

Which countries are included in the SDS?

To qualify for an SDS visa, you must be a legal resident of one of the following countries:

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

Remember that only electronic application submissions are accepted for SDS and that if you undertake a paper-based application, it is classified as a regular study permit and subject to the same time frame.

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What are the requirements for an SDS visa?

To apply for an SDS visa, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Proof of your English language test result. The test must be taken within the last two years before the SDS application. 

• A letter of acceptance from your university, which must be a Designated Learning Institution recognised by the Canadian government. 

• A certified copy of your recent post-secondary or university academic transcript. 

• Proof of a completed medical examination 

  • If you have travelled to certain countries in the six months before arriving in Canada. 

  • If your field of study/degree choice/university requires a medical certificate. 

• Proof of payment for a full year of tuition fees upfront. 

  • A receipt from your university. 

  • An official letter stating this from your university. 

  • Proof of transfer to the university’s account.

• Proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) valued at CAN 10,000 or greater. This should be from a bank listed on the IRCC website or a bank insured by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). 

 Along with the above, you will also need to include the following completed forms:

• Application for Canadian Study Permit Made Outside Canada form. 
• Family Information form 
• Proof of identity
• Biometric data 
• Application for a Temporary Visa form 
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union form
• Use of a representative form

Don’t forget you will need to pay an application processing fee of CAN 150, and you may need to pay for biometrics too, which is CAN 85.  

Family members of SDS visa applicants are eligible for visa processing at the same time. Be sure to consult the IRCC website to understand the definition of a family member and the additional costs involved. 

Get more information on higher education in Canada. 

What is a Non-SDS visa?

A Non-SDS visa refers to the general and regular visa applied for by international students. It is available to students from all countries and territories. The Non-SDS visa is known to have a lower application success rate when compared to the SDS visa, approximately 40%. 

The application processes and requirements are very similar. However, the Non-SDS visa can be applied for offline. Further, it does take more time, between six to eight weeks for visa processing. Get more information on how to apply for a Non-SDS visa. 

Find out how to apply to study in Canada.

What are the main differences between an SDS and Non-SDS visa?

When comparing the SDS and Non-SDS visas, there are four important differences to note:

1. The SDS visa process is expedited, meaning it is faster. 20 business days versus up to six months. 
2. The SDS visa is an online application only. 
3. A streamlined simpler application process is available for the SDS visa. This means less documentation. 
4. The SDS visa has a higher visa acceptance success rate. 

Which is visa right for you?

The visa that you choose should be informed by some essential questions:

1. Do you qualify for the SDS visa route?
2. Do you want a guaranteed fast turnaround time?
3. Are you comfortable applying online?
4. Do you meet all the eligibility criteria for the visa you want to apply for? 
5. Are you looking for a slightly easier and streamlined visa process as offered by SDS?

If you answered yes to the above, it’s likely the SDS visa process will be the right one for you. However, you may have more time, and a regular Non-SDS visa application will suffice. This can help you get all of your documents and required information in order. 

If you’re interested in studying in Canada, you may find our guide to the most popular degrees helpful. We also have information on the five top fields to study in Canada and how to find a graduate career in Canada.