The SDS processing time for visa applicationsis around 20 calendar days. SDS visa processing time is faster than other Visa processing time. It came in effect since June 8th, 2018. The students who are citizens of the following countries are eligible for this program. The countries are Antigua, Pakistan, Barbuda, Brazil, China, Morocco, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Philippines, Peru, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Vietnam. There are multiple SDS program requirements for the candidates. The previously named SPP was replaced by SDS which is a faster visa process provider. SDS program was launched by the Immigration, refugee, and citizenship Canada (IRCC). Depending on where the candidate lives, they may be able to get the study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream. The SDS processing time starts from the day the complete application is received and ends when a decision is made.

SDS Application Processing Time

The SDS applications are processed by the Immigration, refugee and citizenship Canada (IRCC) within 20 calendar days. Students submitting the application of SDS through online mode are eligible for the processing. All the applications on paper are considered to be under the SDS processing regular time. The non SDS applicants will face the same regular processing time which is about 7 weeks. To get faster and Express Entry Canada processing, candidates must

• give their biometrics as soon as possible
• meet all the eligibility requirements

If the candidate requires a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), it will be issued with the study permit. This Canada SDS visa processing time time does not include:

• The time it takes to send an application between a Canada student visa application centre (VAC) and SDS office
• The time needed by the candidate to give their biometrics

SDS Processing Time

The SDS processing time for different types of immigration status are provided below. The Canada student visa non SDS processing time are usually higher than the SDS processing time. The SDS vs non SDS processing time are given below:

Type of Application	Application For	Time Taken
Temporary residence (Visit, study, work)	Study in Canada Permit (From outside Canada)	SDS student visa processing time: 7 weeks
	Study Permit (From inside Canada)	Canada visa SDS processing time: 8 weeks
	Study Permit Extension	Online: 71 days Paper: 101 days
	Work permit for Canada (From outside Canada)	8 weeks
	Visitor visa (from outside Canada)	29 days
Family Sponsorship	Spouse or common-law partner living inside Canada:	In Quebec: 25 months Outside Quebec: 10 months
	Dependent Visa Canada for child	Processing time for no SDS visa: 12 months
	Parents or grandparents	In Quebec: 45 months Outside Quebec: 23 months

Language Scores Accepted for SDS Visa Applications

The IRCC has announced that they will be accepting the language test like IELTS scores for SDS visa program starting from 10th August 2023. The test scores of TEF obtained before 10th August 2023 will also be considered if the test scores are not expired and submitted after the 10th of August, 2023.

For the IELTS candidates, the scores required are as same as before of band score of 6. As of TEF, the students are required to score at least 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). The students have to score the following scores in the various exams, 60 in CAEL, 83 in TOEFL iBT and 60 in PTE.

SDS Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria are a little strict as compared to the previous visa program. The eligibility criteria of SDS program is mentioned below:

• SDS Canada visa applications through the online mode.
• ELP test result like IELTS academic or general training score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
• Scores of PTE or TOEFL
• Full tuition fees for the first year of study must be paid by the students.
• Guaranteed Investment of Certificate (GIC) of $10,000
• Must apply to the colleges or institutions that have a registered Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) number.
• Have a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministry of Immigration if the student is planning to study in Quebec.
• Medical Examination test results
• A Police Clearance Certificate to be submitted
• Academic transcripts of the most recent education.
• Acceptance letter from a post-secondary Designated Learning Institute.
• SDS Canada visa application fee of $150/ 9146.92 INR which must be paid by the student.
• Identity proof of the student is required.
• Application for study permit made outside Canada must be submitted.
• Family information form must be provided (if required).
• Temporary Resident Visa application form must be submitted (if required).

Candidates can check the SDS processing time on the official website of Canada immigration. The Canada non SDS visa processing time is more than the SDS processing time. The Study permit processing time Canada SDS category and the documents required has been provided in the article.

FAQs

Ques: What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?

Ques: What is the processing time for SDS?

Ques: What factors can affect the processing time for SDS?

Ques: What can I do to speed up the processing of my SDS application?

Ques: What happens if my SDS application is refused?

Ques: How can I track the progress of my SDS application?

Ques: What are the documents required for an SDS application?

Ques: How much does it cost to apply for an SDS?

Ques: Where can I get more information about the SDS?

Ques: What are the benefits of applying through the SDS?