The difference between SDS and Non-SDS?

 The Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Non-Student Direct Stream (Non-SDS) are two types of visa application streams for students applying for study permits in Canada. The key difference between the two lies in the processing speed, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements. Here’s a detailed comparison:

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1. Processing Time

• SDS (Student Direct Stream):
  • Faster processing: Typically, 20 calendar days or less. The SDS program is designed to provide faster processing for eligible students.
• Non-SDS:
  • Longer processing time: This process generally takes a few weeks to months depending on the volume of applications and the applicant’s individual case.

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2. Eligibility Criteria

SDS (Student Direct Stream):

• Available for students from select countries, including:
  • China, India, Philippines, Vietnam, Morocco, Pakistan, Senegal, and others (Note: Check official sources for updates on eligible countries).
• Requirements:
  • Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): A valid offer of admission from a recognized Canadian institution.
  • Proof of Tuition Payment: Proof that you have paid the tuition fees for the first year of study.
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): A minimum amount (usually CAD 10,000) must be deposited in a Canadian bank to cover living expenses. The GIC serves as proof of funds.
  • Language Proficiency: A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in each band. This is a critical component of the SDS stream.
  • Medical Exam: Students must undergo a medical examination before applying.
  • Police Certificate: In some cases, a police certificate may be required.

Non-SDS:

• Available for all international students (not limited to specific countries).

• Requirements:

  • Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): As with SDS, students must have a valid offer from a recognized Canadian institution.
  • Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel. This can be shown through bank statements, affidavits, or financial support letters, but no GIC is required.
  • Language Proficiency: The required English language proficiency might vary, and there is no fixed minimum score like in SDS. Students may be accepted with lower scores, depending on the institution and course.
  • No GIC Required: Unlike SDS, there is no requirement to show proof of funds via a GIC.
  • Medical Exam and Police Clearance: These may be required on a case-by-case basis, but not always mandatory before applying.

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3. Documentation

SDS (Student Direct Stream):

• Required Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • Proof of tuition payment for the first year
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD 10,000
  • Language proficiency test result (e.g., IELTS score of 6.0 or higher)
  • Medical exam (if required)
  • Police certificate (if required)

Non-SDS:

• Required Documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • Proof of funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and return airfare (bank statements, affidavits, or financial support documents)
  • Language proficiency test result (if required)
  • Medical exam (if required)
  • Police clearance (if required)
  • Other documents that may be requested based on individual cases

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4. Financial Proof

SDS (Student Direct Stream):

• GIC: A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000 to cover living expenses for the first year. This is a more secure and guaranteed way of showing proof of funds.

• Tuition Payment: You need to pay the tuition fees for your first year of study and show proof of payment.

Non-SDS:

• Proof of Funds: You can show proof of sufficient funds for living expenses, tuition fees, and travel expenses through bank statements or affidavits. You don’t need to show a GIC.

• No Fixed Minimum: The proof of funds requirement is more flexible than the SDS stream, and the amount may vary depending on the applicant's specific situation and the institution.

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5. Visa Approval Rate

• SDS (Student Direct Stream):
  • The SDS stream has a higher visa approval rate because the applicants are typically well-prepared and meet the stringent documentation and language requirements.
• Non-SDS:
  • The approval rate for Non-SDS applications can vary more since it depends on the strength of the application and the applicant's ability to meet the general study permit requirements.

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6. Benefits of Choosing SDS Over Non-SDS

• Faster Processing Time: With the SDS stream, you can expect your study permit to be processed more quickly (usually within 20 calendar days), making it a better option for students looking to start their programs promptly.

• Simpler Proof of Funds: The requirement to show a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a clear and simplified method to prove that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Canada. It removes ambiguity compared to the Non-SDS stream where you must show various financial documents.

• Higher Language Proficiency Requirement: While the IELTS score requirement for SDS is higher (6.0 in each band), this can improve your chances of obtaining a visa as it demonstrates a certain level of readiness to study in English in Canada.

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7. Which Stream Should You Choose?

• Choose SDS if:

  • You meet the language proficiency requirement (IELTS 6.0 or higher in each band).
  • You are ready to make the tuition payment and can show proof of it.
  • You can provide the GIC of CAD 10,000.
  • You want faster visa processing.

• Choose Non-SDS if:

  • You don’t meet the SDS eligibility criteria, such as not having the required IELTS score or not being able to pay the tuition fee upfront.
  • You prefer to provide more flexible proof of funds (without the GIC requirement).
  • You are looking for alternative options and more time to gather documentation.

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Summary Table: SDS vs Non-SDS

Criteria	SDS (Student Direct Stream)	Non-SDS
Processing Time	20 calendar days (or less)	Longer (varies)
Eligibility	Limited to select countries	Open to all international students
Language Requirement	IELTS 6.0 or higher in each band	Varies (lower scores may be acceptable)
Proof of Funds	GIC of CAD 10,000 + tuition fee payment	Bank statements, affidavits, or financial support
Tuition Payment	Must pay first-year tuition fees	Flexible, can show proof via bank statements
Medical Exam	Required in some cases	Required in some cases
Police Clearance	May be required	May be required

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Conclusion:

If you meet the eligibility criteria (such as IELTS scores and tuition payment), SDS is the best option due to faster processing times and more straightforward documentation. However, if you are unable to meet all SDS criteria, the Non-SDS stream provides a more flexible, albeit slower, alternative.