Canada Study Visa 2025: SDS vs. Non-SDS

Tired of facing complex visa procedures and unsure about the right path to study in Canada? Explore this blog to learn all about SDS and non-SDS visas in Canada. Our goal is to ensure that you understand the process by the end of this article and are able to make informed decisions.

What is SDS Canada (Student Direct Stream)?

The SDS Canada (Student Direct Stream), formerly known as the Students Partner Program (SPP) streamlines the study visa process for students applying for a Canada Study Permit.

It is available to eligible students from India, China, Brazil, and other countries who must meet specific requirements set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in order to study in Canada.

2025 Eligibility Requirements:

• Admission from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

• CAD 10,000 GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)

• 1st year tuition payment (some schools now accept partial payment)

• IELTS 6.0+ (no band below 6.0) or equivalent PTE/TOEFL

• Medical exam (if required) 

What are the SDS Canada Visa Requirements?

Below are the eligibility requirements for SDS Visa Canada for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream (SDS):

1. Residency: You must be a legal resident living in one of the eligible countries specified by the Canadian government. SDS Canada Visa list countries are shown in the following table.

2. Obtain an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI).

3. Pay the tuition fees for the first year and provide proof of payment.

4. Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000, which will be held until you arrive in Canada. Learn all about GIC in this blog

5. Meet the English Language Proficiency requirement, demonstrated through an IELTS scorecard (Academic or General) valid for 2 years from the SDS application date.

Note: According to the latest update on IELTS band scores, you need an overall 6.0 in all sections combined to apply for SDS (Student Direct Stream).

6. Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): If you plan to study in Quebec, you must have an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate from the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.

Document Checklist for SDS Canada

The table below represents the documents required for an SDS Visa Canada:

What is the Application Process for SDS Canada?

Here is the step-by-step application process for SDS Canada.

• Step 1: Prepare your application and ensure you have access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents.
• Step 2: In most cases, you need to provide your biometrics. Pay the biometric fee when you submit your application online to ensure faster processing. The fee for the biometric application is CAD 150 per person, and an additional fee of CAD 85 is also applicable.
• Step 3: Visit the official website and select the country or territory you are applying from. Follow the instructions specific to your visa office and create an account to apply online.
• Step 4: Fill out the online application form, paying attention to accuracy and completeness. Include all the necessary documents as instructed.
• Step 5: Once your application is complete, submit it online along with the required fees. Follow any additional instructions provided by your visa office
• Step 6: Once the processing is complete, you will receive a decision on your SDS application. If approved, you will receive your study permit.

List of Colleges Under SDS Canada in 2025 

The following is a list of colleges in Canada that have a Designated Learning Number (DLN) and participate in the SDS Canada program: 

SDS Visa Processing Time

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) offers a faster visa processing timeline for Indian students.

• Instead of the usual 2-3 months, SDS allows students to obtain their visa in 4-6 weeks.
• Eligible students who meet the criteria can have their applications processed within 20 calendar days.

SDS provides an expedited visa processing option for Indian students applying for study permits.

What is NON-SDS?

The Non-SDS category is a general option for visa applications to study in Canada. It is available for candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria of the SDS program. Under the Non-SDS approach, additional documents may be required to support the application.

What are the Non-SDS Canada Visa Requirements?

1. Students must provide official transcripts starting from their class 12 examinations.

• For undergraduate courses, a minimum aggregate of 55% is required,
• Postgraduate or advanced diploma courses require a minimum of 50%.

2. Acceptance Letter: Students must obtain an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in Canada.

3. English Language Proficiency: Students need to meet the Non-SDS Canada IELTS score

• 6.0 for undergraduate programs
• 6.5 for postgraduate programs.
• TOEFL and PTE scores are also accepted.

4. Partial Tuition Fees: Instead of paying the entire tuition fees upfront, students can deposit fees for the initial six months to the DLI, along with providing proof of financial stability.

5. Statement of Purpose (SOP): A well-crafted SOP is crucial for both SDS Canada and Non-SDS applications. It should focus on the chosen course, background history, relevant achievements, and reasons for studying in Canada.

Document Checklist for Non-SDS Visa Canada

The table below represents the documents required for a Non-SDS visa Canada:

What is the Application Process for a Non-SDS Visa Canada?

Here is the step-by-step application process for SDS Canada.

• Step 1: Access the official website of CIC Canada and log in using your unique GCKey user ID and password. Accept the provided terms and conditions and complete the necessary identification validation process.
• Step 2: Initiate your application and enter the designated personal reference code. If you don't have the code, evaluate your eligibility by responding to the provided questions and proceed with the online application. Save your progress and exit the questionnaire as needed.
• Step 3: Upon completion of all the questions, a notification will indicate your eligibility status. If you meet the requirements, proceed to the next step.
• Step 4: Thoroughly review all your information to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Step 5: Verify your personal checklist and ensure that you have all the required documents. Include any missing requirements, if applicable.
• Step 6: Submit your fully completed application.

Side-by-Side Comparison: SDS vs. Non-SDS 

Unlock Your Study Abroad Potential

In conclusion, navigating the SDS Canada and Non-SDS Canada visas can be challenging, but with the right guidance and support, you can make informed decisions and maximize your study abroad opportunities.

Here's where immigrants can turn to immigration consultants like GetGIS for end-to-end assistance. We are a tech-enabled company where you can monitor the LIVE progress of your application status. That’s not all we offer IELTS services, job search assistance, Post landing services, LinkedIn optimization, and more.

Take advantage of GetGIS's services by booking a free consultation and embark on your exciting educational journey in Canada today!