SDS Canada Application Process: Eligibility, How to Apply, & Douments
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It is important to follow the step-by-step application process for SDS Canada to avoid the rejection of the Canada Student Visa. The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the Student Direct Stream program to make the study VISA process faster for international students. In this article, we have covered information to let you know how to apply for SDS Canada and the required documents.
Update: The Government of Canada announced the end of the Student Direct Stream (SDS program) on 09 November 2024. This fast-track visa program was introduced in 2018 to make Canada student visa process smoother and quicker. The sudden policy change will impact future students planning to study in Canada.
What is the process to apply for SDS Canada from India? Well, you should know the answer of this question, if you have plans to study in Canada. The Student Direct Stream Canada program is designed to make the Canada Student Visa application process easy and smoother for students from India and other 13 countries. By following the step-by-step application process for SDS Canada, students from these countries can get study visas in just 20 days. The Canada student visa processing time is 6 weeks if a student applies under the Student Partner Program (SPP).
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According to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), only eligible international students can submit the SDS Canada application form. The eligibility set by the IRCC is strict in comparison to the previous SPP program for getting a visa to study in Canada. In this article, we will inform you about the complete application process for SDS Canada including the eligibility and required documents.
SDS Canada Application Process
Every candidate who is going to apply for a student visa under the Student Direct Stream program needs to follow the SDS Canada application process. To help students, we have mentioned the step-by-step application process for SDS Canada:
How to Apply for SDS Canada?
There is no provision for paper application for the Student Direct Stream (SDS), make sure to apply online for faster processing of the Study Permit. Apart from this, also include all the requisite documents along with your application.
- Start the process online by submitting the IMM 1294 form on the official website of IRCC (Required for everyone)
- Make sure you enter all personal and academic information correctly to avoid rejection.
- Upload the scanned copies of the required documents.
- Pay the application fee by using your credit card.
- The SDS Canada application fee is CAD 150 and CAD 85 for the biometrics fee.
- You need to provide your photo and fingerprint for biometrics. (Process will start after paying the biometrics fee).
- Later, you may need to undergo a medical exam.
- After background verification, you’ll get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This is an authorized letter for your entry into Canada as an international student.
Checklist Before Applying:
- Follow visa officer instructions carefully.
- Have all the supporting documents
- You must be fulfilling the eligibility criteria before applying
Also Read: Police Verification Certificate
Who Can Apply for SDS Canada?
Candidates who will fulfil the below-mentioned point-wise SDS Canada Eligibility can apply under the Student Direct Stream program.
Eligibility Requirements for the SDS Program are:
- You should be a citizen of India or the other 13 countries mentioned on IRCC's website.
- Student should not be a criminal in their origin country
- Candidate should not be a security threat to Canada
- The student should be healthy.
- They should have all the documents required for the SDS application process.
List of Documents Required for Student Direct Stream Application
- First-year tuition fee payment slip.
- Police Certificate
- Acceptance letter from a post-secondary Designated Learning Institutions.
- Candidates must be staying out of Canada at the time of applying.
- Candidates must buy a Guaranteed Investment of Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635. In India, you can buy GIC from ICICI Bank. Bank can confirm GIC purchase by giving either:
- A letter of attestation from a Canadian Province or Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- Investment Balance Confirmation OR Investment Directions Confirmation
- Copy of medical examination.
- Most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcripts.
- Proof of language test results with a minimum IELTS score of 6 bands in each module.
Requirements for Faster Application Process:
- Candidate needs to meet all the eligibility criteria set under this program
- Candidate should submit his biometrics immediately
Steps to Do After Completing the SDS Canada Application Process
Once, you will complete the application process, follow these instructions after submitting your application.
- Submit Fingerprints and Photo (Biometrics)- Once you submit your application and pay your fee, the IRCC will send you a letter for submitting your biometrics. The letter will have the details where you have to submit the fingerprints and the photo (biometrics). Also, make sure to bring this letter and passport, along with your application. Submit your biometrics in 30 days in person.
- SDS Canada Processing Time: If the student fulfils the eligibility criteria and submits his biometrics then usually IRCC processes the study permit application within 20 calendar days. However, if the candidate doesn't meet the eligibility criteria then they review the application as a regular study permit. In this case, your application won't process at a faster pace.
Getting Study Permit
When you reach Canada, an officer will check your documents. Once everything is checked, the officer will issue you a study permit. Remember, you carry all the important documents you need to enter Canada.
Generally, the Study Permit is valid till the duration of the course. However, if your passport expires before the study program, you need to apply again to extend your study permit with a new passport. Read the application process for Canada Study Permit.
If your application is approved:
- IRCC will send you a Letter of introduction
- IRCC will also send you an electronic travel authorization (eTA) so you can travel to Canada.
If your application is rejected:
IRCC will send you a letter giving you the details for the refusal of your application.
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Application process for SDS Canada FAQs
Q. Which countries are under SDS in Canada?
A. According to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), residents of 14 countries are allowed for Students Direct Stream program. These countries are India, Antigua, Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, Vietnam, Trinidad and Tobago.
Q. How to apply for Canadian SDS visa?
A. Students can complete the SDS Canada apply process with the steps mentioned below
- Fill up and submit the IMM 1294 form on the IRCC website.
- Upload the scanned copies of all required documents asked there.
- Use a credit card and pay the application fees for SDS Canada. (CAD 150 for the application and CAD 85 for biometrics).
- Submit the biometrics request letter, which you'll get after application.
What is the SDS Canada application fee for International students?
According to the official information provided by IRCC, the application fee for SDS Canada is CAD 150 (INR 9290 for Indian Students). Apart from this CAD 85 (INR 5,264) for the biometrics process. It means international students need to pay CAD 235 (INR 14,554 for Indian rupees).
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Tuition & fees | INR 8,66,289 |
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