Blog

Planning to pursue your studies in Canada, but not sure which visa category to select? Every student who plans to apply for a Canada Study Visa in Chennai has to know about the 2 types of study permits, namely - 
 

• SDS
• Non SDS

Both types of study permits aid students to pursue their education in Canada, depending on the following criteria : 
 

• Eligibility needs
• Finance-based needs
• Completing Paperworks.

These application categories work under the rules of IRCC, so applicants should have an understanding of this information. This article will help all the students who are aiming to start their studying journey in Canada. With the right support, Croyez Immigration will help students to make the right decision and guide in right path.

What is SDS (Student Direct Stream)?

SDS stands for Student Direct Stream, which helps students to apply for a study visa faster. This was introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to help students from India have a smoother application process. SDS will help students to : 
 

• Have a reduced processing time 
• Understand the application requirements
   

There are certain requirements students need to meet to apply under SDS. They are : 

• Should have a specific IELTS score
• Have an appropriate educational qualification
• A proof showing their previous tuition fee. 
• Should have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate
   

Medical-related checkup and a student’s fingerprints are mandatory.

What is Non-SDS?

The Non-SDS type is for applicants who have not been selected under the Student Direct Stream. 

It has those applicants who have not been eligible under the following reasons in SDS: 

• Not having the required IELTS score
• Proof of financial papers
• Other SDS conditions

The only drawback for the Non-SDS students is longer processing times. Otherwise, Non-SDS is also considered the best option for pursuing education in Canada.

In the Non- SDS category, students must show proof of the following documents: 
 

• Must have a copy of the language score obtained or an alternative for the same 
• Have proper financial documents.
• Should have their Educational documents
• Must have written a clear Statement of Purpose

The documents above will help in understanding the study and future goals of an applicant.

Key Differences Between SDS and Non-SDS (Comparison Table)

As a first step, learning the difference between SDS and Non-SDS streams is important before choosing the right category of study application in Canada.

But the requirements and processing time may vary for each stream. So the students who want a Canada Study Visa in Chennai should understand the differences between some key points below, before making a final decision 
 

SDS vs Non-SDS Processing Time

SDS is known to process the applications faster than the Non-SDS. It documents the applications more properly when all requirements are clearly met.

Whereas, in other hand, Non-SDS takes longer processing times. It is because all the background checks of applicants and financial paperwork are carefully reviewed.

But there are some factors where processing times vary for both categories, like : 

• Number of applications received
• Whether all documents are submitted properly
• Have medical documents attached
• Biometric process
   

The delay in applications mainly happens because of the following reasons : 

• Missing documents
• Submitting unclear financial documents
• Needs additional verification
   

Which is Better – SDS or Non-SDS? 

We can't come to a conclusion on which specific category is better than the other. It is because it depends on the various factors, such as: 
 

• Based on the student's academic profile
• How many marks were scored in IELTS
• Financial preparation of a student

SDS may seem better for those students who have : 
 

• Good score in the language subject 
• Can pay full study fees and finish the GIC requirements

Non-SDS may seem better for those students who cannot satisfy the strict financial requirements. When an applicant wants to apply for a Canada Study Visa in Chennai, it’s better to have proper guidance from an experienced consultant. With expert help, Croyez can help you evaluate your profiles and suggest the most suitable option.

SDS vs Non-SDS Rejection Reasons 

The SDS applications are often rejected due to the following reasons : 
 

• Having low IELTS marks
• The full tuition fee is not paid 
• Having incorrect GIC details
• Missing documents
   

The Non-SDS applications are often rejected due to the following reasons : 
 

•  Not showing proper financial proof
•  Having poor academic performance
• The Statement of Purpose letter is not strong

To avoid visa refusal, the students must be careful in the following things : 

• Should submit the correct documents
• Having proper financial proof
• Have a valid reason for the study option they choose

Can You Apply Without IELTS – SDS or Non-SDS?

Yes, a student can apply for a Canadian student visa without IELTS under the Non-SDS category.

In the SDS category, a student must have a minimum IELTS score set by the  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 

But under the Non-SDS category, students tend to have more flexibility. Some colleges accept some alternative test scores instead of IELTS, namely : 
 

• PTE
• TOEFL

In other cases, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate may also be taken as an alternative to IELTS.

So, for students without an IELTS score, Non-SDS is most suitable. The eligibility criteria are based on :
 

• Overall academic performance
• Financial documents

If you are planning to get a visa from Canada to pursue your studies, it is always advisable to take guidance from expert consultants. At Croyez, being well-known for providing Canada Study Visa in Chennai, can give you a suitable study option to succeed.

How to Choose the Right Stream for Your Canada Study Visa

The decision for a student to choose between the right stream, SDS or Non-SDS needs a proper profile analysis of the student to proceed. Some factors that play a major role in making a decision include: 
 

• Study background
• Any gaps in education
• Financial capability
• History of travel
• Career-based goals
   

In addition to this, choosing a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is also important as it is mandatory for study visa approval. 

If one has good financial proof and maintains a proper educational background, then they may take SDS, or vice versa. 

How Croyez Can Help with Your Canada Study Visa

Choosing the right study visa stream in Canada should always be done with proper planning. The consultant will help in evaluating a student's study profile and specify a suitable study stream based on their eligibility.

Consultants help students avoid common mistakes made by
  

• Guiding in the document preparation
• Help in drafting a clear SOP
• Guide in checking the documents before submission
   

For reliable support with your Canada Study Visa in Chennai, connect with Croyez and move forward with confidence.

Conclusion 

The categories of SDS and Non-SDS are two options to apply for obtaining a Canadian study visa. SDS provides students with quick processing of the applications with an eligibility criterion. Whereas Non-SDS has a flexible option for documentation.

Selecting the right stream is based on the following criteria : 
 

• Have a good educational background 
• Hold proof of the correct financial documents 
• Have a good clarity on the reason for applying visa 

Selecting the right stream plays an important role in the approval process of an applicant’s visa application. Croyez Immigration will guide you throughout the process to select the right stream with confidence.

FAQs – SDS vs Non-SDS

Is SDS mandatory for Indian students? 
No, SDS is not compulsory for Indian students. If a student gets qualified, they get their applications processed more quickly. Others who do not qualify can apply through the Non-SDS category.

Can I apply Non-SDS with IELTS? 
Yes, students without IELTS can apply under Non-SDS. The requirements for documents may change based on the stream chosen.

Which has a higher success rate – SDS or Non-SDS? 
No, a specific category cannot be categorised to have a higher success rate. Approval of a stream can vary depending on various factors in both SDS and Non-SDS type applications.

Can I switch from Non-SDS to SDS? 
No, once a visa application has been submitted a applicant can't switch between the streams

Is SDS faster than Non-SDS always?
SDS is known to be faster when compared to the Non-SDS category, as it follows an efficient system. But the processing durations can change based on various factors.