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Launched in 2018, Student Direct Stream or SDS is a students’ visa process that allows aspirants from India, Vietnam, China, the Philippines and other nations to study in various designated Canadian institutions. SDS is an expedited study program that comes with minimal documentation and a highly streamlined visa application process.Â
Indian students looking to study in Canada through SDS should be aware of the designated institutions offering this study program. The following sections will provide a comprehensive rundown on SDS along with a list of SDS colleges in Canada, eligibility criteria and more.
The SDS is a faster visa processing system meant for students from some of the selected countries. Under this program, the visa application of students from various countries will be processed within 45 calendar days. These applications will be subject to regulations and guidelines of regular study visa application streams. Various Canadian institutions with a registered DLI (Designated Learning Institution) number will be included under this program. International students enrolling on the SDS program will get to enrol in one of these SDS colleges.Â
Most Canadian institutions come with a Designated Learning Institution number, making them a part of the Student Direct Stream program. Here are some of the significant SDS colleges in Canada that Indian students can apply for:
Name of the Institution | Location | Offers Post-Graduate Work Permit |
---|---|---|
Algoma University | Brampton | Yes |
Algonquin College | Ottawa | Yes |
University of Waterloo | Waterloo | Yes |
Centennial College | Toronto | Yes |
Georgian College | Barrie | Yes |
Wilfrid Laurier University | Brantford | Yes |
Sault College | Toronto | Yes |
Sheridan College | Brampton | Yes |
McMaster University | Burlington | Yes |
Fleming College | Lindsay | Yes |
Brock University | Hamilton | Yes |
Humber College | Toronto | Yes |
Fanshawe College | Simcoe | Yes |
Seneca College | King City | Yes |
Lakehead University | Thunder Bay | Yes |
Queen’s University | Kingston | Yes |
University of Toronto | Toronto | Yes |
In addition to the list of institutions mentioned above, there are also several other Canadian colleges that are included in the SDS program.
The Student Direct Stream is limited to students from a handful of countries intending to pursue post-secondary education in Canada. Here is a list of countries that qualify for the SDS visa program:
Students from these nations can enjoy faster and simplified study permit processing along with a $10,000 GIC that will cover one-year study abroad expenses.
Candidates aiming to qualify for the SDS program have to meet certain eligibility requirements. Indian candidates are required to fulfil the following criteria:
Study abroad aspirants aiming to pursue higher education in Canada through the Student Direct Stream program should furnish the following documents to streamline the application process:
Note: The proof of the GIC payment can be obtained from the bank in the form of a GIC certificate or letter of attestation.Â
Also Read: IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada
Notably, one cannot apply for the Student Direct System offline. So, aspirants seeking to receive a Canadian study permit through SDS have to apply online mandatorily. Here is a brief overview of the process:
However, one must remember that this letter of introduction is not a study permit. Candidates will have to furnish this letter to the officer on reaching Canada to receive the study permit document. On receiving the study permit, students should check it thoroughly to make sure it does not have any discrepancies.Â
Also Read: Canada Post Study Work Permits (PGWP) For Indian Students
As mentioned earlier, the SDS program offers an expedited study permit application processing for students of selected nationalities. The process is fast, hassle-free and requires lesser financial documents. Non-SDS, on the other hand, is a general category to apply for a study permit in Canada. Candidates who fail to qualify for the SDS visa program can apply through this process. The requirements will be different, and candidates will be asked to submit more documents.Student Direct Stream is usually a preferred option as compared to Non-SDS because of the following factors:
The Student Direct System program is undoubtedly one of the best processes to receive a Canadian study permit. Indian students aiming to pursue higher education in any of the SDS colleges in Canada can apply through SDS visa program to enjoy a faster and more efficient study permit application processing.Â
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Ans: The following banks offer GIC to Indian students intending to study in Canada through SDS program:
a. ICICI Bank
b. HSBC Bank
c. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
d. SBI Canada
e. Scotia Bank
Ans: It is not mandatory to provide a Statement of Purpose while applying for a Canadian study permit through Student Direct System. However, there is no harm in attaching one with the application. If you are confident about your profile, you do not need to provide an SOP.Â
Ans: SDS colleges in Canada are those which come with DLI numbers and accept international students applying under the Student Direct Stream visa program. On the other hand, non-SDS colleges do not come with a DLI number and are not part of the SDS study program. These institutions provide admission to international students who apply for a Canadian work permit through the standard process.Â
Ans: Some of the leading SDS colleges in Ontario include Sault College, Niagara College, Durham College, Fleming College, Fanshawe College, Centennial College, Algonquin College, George Brown College, Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canadore College, Lawrence College, Sheridan College of Applied Arts and Technology and more.Â