Is the SDS Visa Right for You? Compare It to the Non-SDS Visa

SDS Visa and Non-SDS Visa: A Simple Guide

It is very important for the students to attain a student visa for studying in a foreign country. There are various types of visas, and the main two types are the SDS visa, which is the Student Direct Stream visa, and all other visa types other than the SDS visa. In the following guide, the differences between these two visa type will be evaluated by referring to the following aspects.

Processing Time: Perhaps one of the most noticeable distinctions between SDS and non-SDS visas is the time it takes to process those visas. The SDS visa takes approximately 20 days to be processed, making it one of the fastest visa processing programs. This fast process is beneficial for students who have time constraints and need their visas as soon as possible in order to begin their studies. However, the non-SDS visas may take longer in processing compared to SDS visas above depending on the country of the applicant. The time taken may range greatly depending on the country you are applying from and other aspects such as the number of cases being handled, and the prevailing immigration laws.

Eligible Countries: While applying, the type of visa, the SDS and the non- SDS have some differences with regard to the country of origin. The SDS program is usually offered for students from the certain countries such as India, China, Philippine, Vietnam, etc. They follow specific factors including immigration trends, relationship between the countries, and the number of students who are applying for the courses. On the other hand, non-SDS visas are those which are open for international students regardless of their home country.

Financial Requirements: Financial conditions form the other key area of disparity between SDS and non-SDS visas. For the SDS program, the applicant has to demonstrate sufficient funds in the form of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD $ 10,000 besides being required to pay the cost of first year’s tuition fee to the university. It is for the purpose of ascertaining that the students have adequate funds at their disposable when they arrive in Canada in the first year of their studies. On the other hand, applicants of visas outside condition of SDS normally require producing financial proof which is relevant to tuition fee and cost of living as per normal set figures by the immigration department.

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Language Proficiency: Some difference may arise between the SDS and non-SDS where language proficiency may be required for an applicant. This is perhaps because the SDS visa can have higher language proficiency requirements compared to the standard Visa. For instance, the basic requirement for IELTS of the SDS visa applicants may be 6+. 0 or an equivalent score in other English proficiency tests. This higher score also guarantees that a student has adequate language proficiency to perform tasks in their course work and cope with the new environment in an English speaking country. Non-SDS visa applicants also have language requirements but may vary on the scores depending on the country and the institution.

Biometrics Requirement: Biometrics such as fingerprints and facial recognition scan may be required from a visa applicant whether he or she is an SDS or non-SDS visa applicant. Indistinct from junctures that require identification, biometrics are applied in security matters. It is also important to note that although biometrics are generally mandatory for almost all visa applications including the study permit, the processes and any waiver for providing same may slightly differ for the SDS and non-SDS visa depending on the immigration law of the country.

Medical Examination: Medical examination is also compulsory for SDS and non-SDS nominated applicants while other requirements may also be necessary. This examination aims at determining the health status of the applicant so that they do not infect the rest of the population. The medical may encompass a check up, some tests as well as a vaccine depending on the requirements of the immigration department. It is necessary to pass a medical check to get permission for entering a country and studying there, and students are provided with a medical certificate which is valid for a definite amount of time, it depends on the intended stay in the foreign country.

Application Procedure: The application process for both the SDS and non-SDS visas may vary concerning the paperwork, submission process, and other aspects. SDS visa applicants have to apply through the SDS portal and need to provide specific documents that are mentioned in the checklists of the immigration authorities. This process aims at reducing the time taken and the variance in the application. On the other hand, non-SDS visa applicants undergo a traditional visa process where they are allowed to present their papers physically or apply for the visa online through the embassy or consulate of the country.

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Application Process for SDS Visa

Online apply to get quick study permit. As mentioned earlier there is no paper application for the Student Direct Stream, ensure all your documents are handy before you apply. Here’s what you need:

Your guide to filling the application form
A scanner or camera through which one can take a picture of the documents and convert into digital form.
A valid credit/debit card for payment
You can submit your biometrics by going to the official site, completing the questions asked on the site, and paying the biometric fee.

Application Process for Non-SDS Visa

Access the website belonging to CIC Canada and enter your account with the help of GCKey and password. Choose ‘I agree’ to agree to the terms and conditions and proceed with the identity check.

The first step in applying for a loan is to key in the personal reference code. If it does not have a code, had some questions and answer them to get to know if you are eligible for the grant and also apply online. Click on the save and exit button on the given questionnaire.
Finally, once you have provided your answers to all the questions, you will be directed to a pop-up window indicating your eligibility. If you meet the requirements above, proceed to the next level.

Look through your personal checklist and papers. In case, add the item if not already included in the list or given by the client.
Submit your application.

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Visa Approval Rate

The approval rates for the applicant depending on the type of visa whether it is SDS or non-SDS can be high or low depending on the person’s profile, how he or she complied with the requirements for the program, the correctness of the documents and the current immigration laws. On average, SDS visas are more likely to be approved compared to non-SDS visas due to strict criteria for obtaining a visa and a clear structure of the application. But the approval rates may vary over a certain period depending on certain factors such as the existing changes in the laws on immigration, the existing status between two countries and others.

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