SDS program requirements include possessing a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD 10,000 (INR 6 Lakhs) and an IELTS score of 6 for each section. The application fees for Canada SDS Program is CAD 150. Student Direct Stream (SDS), formerly known as Students Partner Program (SPP), is a new strategy undertaken by the Canadian Government. This is to make the process of getting a Canadian Student Visa easier, faster and more efficient. Students residing in countries like India, Brazil, Pakistan, Morocco, Vietnam, and others are eligible to apply for SDS. IRCC processes most SDS applications within 20 calendar days if the eligibility requirements are met. SDS was passed by the Canadian Immigration Authorities in 2018. This strategy has made Canada a more attractive destination for pursuing higher education by international students.

SDS Program Requirement

In order to be eligible for Student Direct Stream (SDS) Program, the international students must fulfil the following criteria to enroll for desired top universities in Canada. The SDS requirements are:

  • Proof of English Language Proficiency: SDS Program IELTS Requirements are mandatory. It should be within 2 years from the day of receiving the SDS Canada application. Such international candidates must get a minimum IELTS score of 6 or higher for each section in IELTS test.
  • Proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): International students must deposit a minimum amount of CAD 10,000 (approximately INR 6 Lakhs) at a bank. It should be either insured by Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or listed under the Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After first disbursement post-identification, the remaining funds are disbursed on a monthly or bi-monthly basis for a period of 10-12 months.
  • Proof of Full Payment of First-Year Tuition Fee: The international students need to provide a receipt of full payment of the first-year or MBA in Canada fees either from the university or a bank. An official letter from the university stating the payment of the first-year tuition fees is accepted.
  • Proof of Medical Examination: This is for the international students, who have travelled to or lived in a University designated country in the past 6 months or is willing to pursue a course. It mandates the providence of a medical fitness certificate, need to provide a document that validates an upfront medical examination from an authorized panel of physicians. Candidates can check the Canada PR requirements before proceeding.

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SDS Canada Application Process

The international students must submit the SDS Canada application form online in order to be considered for SDS Program. Candidates can also check the Canada Express Entry to get PR in Canada. Offline or paper applications are not considered for SDS Program. Before applying online, make sure you have the following:

  • Instruction guide to fill out the form
  • Scanner or camera to create electronic copies of the required documents
  • Valid credit or debit card to make the payment

Documents Required for SDS Program

Applicants can also consider Canada PNP where the document requirement is somewhat similar as mentioned below. The applicants must submit the following set of documents while filling up the online application form for SDS training requirements. These are required by SDS colleges for admission:

  • An application form for Study Permit Made Outside Canada
  • A Family Information Form (if applicable)
  • A Use of a Representative Form (if applicable)
  • An application for a Temporary Visa Form (if applicable)
  • Payment of Application Processing Fee (if applicable)
  • Payment of Biometric Processing Fee (if applicable)
  • Letter of approval from MIFI or Quebec Acceptance Certificate (applicable for candidates willing to pursue higher education at Quebec)
  • Proof of Identity of the candidate
  • Additional documents listed by the Visa Office of the candidate’s locality.

Payment for SAS Program Requirements

The SDS information requirements are available at the official website. Candidates can use credit cards and prepaid cards issued by the below-mentioned to pay the Canada visa fees:

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • JCB
  • UnionPay (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

The candidates must fill up the online application forms with utmost care since incomplete applications are rejected. In cases of wrong or non-payment of application processing fee, the online application form for SDS Program can be rejected.

FAQs

Ques. Besides IELTS, which test scores are accepted for SDS Program as evidence for Language Proficiency?

Ans. Besides IELTS, TEF (Test d'Evaluation de Français) that assesses the knowledge and skills of the candidates in French is accepted as evidence for Language Proficiency under SDS Program. No other test scores are accepted under SDS Program.

Ques. Which banks provide GIC in India?

Ans. GIC is mandatory for application under SDS Program. Some of the banks in India that provide GIC include ICICI-Canadian, Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), HSBC Bank of Canada and SBI Canada – Scotiabank.

Ques. Besides a GIC Certificate, what other documents can confirm the purchase of a GIC?

Ans. A GIC is mandatory for application under SDS Program. Upon purchase of a GIC, the banks will confirm the same by providing a GIC Certificate. The banks can give an Attestation Letter, Investment Directions Confirmation or Investment Balance Confirmation which can confirm the purchase of GIC.

Ques. Which Canadian Institutions have been registered as Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)?

Ans. Only candidates that have applied to Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) are eligible to apply under SDS Program. Some of the most prominent universities with a registered DLI number include Eston College, Cumberland College, Canadian Imperial College, Canadian Southwestern College, Canford Institute of Technology, Fleming College, Sault College, Lakeland College, Academy of Fashion Design and others.

Ques. What is the application fee for a Study Permit through SDS Canada?

Ans. The international students who are willing to get a Study Permit by applying under the SDS Program must pay an application fee of CAD 150 (approximately INR 10,000). The application fee for acquiring Study Permit through regular process is the same.

Ques. Can family members accompany candidates under SDS Program to Canada?

Ans. Yes, family member can accompany candidates under SDS Program to Canada. If the family members apply at the same time as the candidate, they become eligible for faster processing of Visa Applications.

Ques. Do candidates applying for SDS Program need to provide an SOP?

Ans. No, the candidates need not provide a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for applying under SDS Program. However, the candidates will have to be provide the same if asked for by the Visa Office located in the candidate’s locality.

Ques. What is the SDS Program Requirement?

Ans. The SDS Program Requirement is a set of minimum requirements that must be met in order to be admitted to the SDS program at a university. These requirements typically include a certain GPA, standardized test scores, and coursework in specific subject areas.

Ques: What are the different types of SDS programs?

Ans: There are many different types of SDS programs, but they can generally be divided into two categories Master's programs and Ph.D. programs

Ques: What are the benefits of getting an SDS degree?

Ans: There are many benefits to getting an SDS degree, including increased earning potential, job opportunities, career advancement.

Ques: What are the different career paths for SDS graduates?

Ans: SDS graduates can pursue a variety of career paths, including Data scientist, Data analyst, Business intelligence analyst, Statistical analyst, Software engineer, Machine learning engineer, Data architect and Data visualization specialist.?