A Complete Guide to Canada Study Visa for Indian Students

Canada has emerged as one of the top destinations for Indian students due to its world-class education system, diverse culture, and post-study work opportunities. To study in Canada, you must apply for a Canada Study Permit, commonly referred to as a student visa. For Indian applicants, there are two major pathways:

SDS (Student Direct Stream) – A fast-track visa processing stream for Indian students who meet certain criteria.
Non-SDS – A standard visa process for those who do not fulfill SDS conditions.

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This detailed guide breaks down both SDS and Non-SDS categories, helping students make informed decisions, understand timelines, eligibility, and documentation requirements.

What is SDS (Student Direct Stream)?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a streamlined visa processing initiative launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for students from select countries, including India. SDS applications enjoy priority processing (as fast as 20 days), provided the applicant fulfills strict eligibility criteria.

SDS Visa Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
IELTS Academic Score with minimum 6.0 bands in each module (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
Full 1-year tuition fee payment proof.
Purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD $10,000 from a participating Canadian financial institution.
Completion of Immigration Medical Examination (IME) before applying.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from authorized government bodies.

SDS Processing Time

SDS applications are processed within 20 working days post-biometrics, making it the most preferred route for eligible Indian students.

Benefits of Applying Through SDS

Quick processing time
Minimal documentation
Higher approval rates for complete and qualified profiles
Accepted only via online application

Step-by-Step Canada Study Visa Application Process

Whether you choose SDS or Non-SDS, here’s a breakdown of the entire visa application journey:

Step 1: Choose a Program & DLI

Select a course aligned with your academic and career goals
Ensure the institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and eligible for Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

Step 2: Language Proficiency

SDS: IELTS – 6.0 in each band (Academic)
Non-SDS: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE (depending on college)

Step 3: Fee Payment & GIC (SDS Only)

SDS applicants must pay 1-year tuition upfront
Buy a GIC (CAD $10,000) from banks like ScotiaBank, ICICI Canada, CIBC, etc.

Step 4: Gather Documentation

LOA, passport, SOP, transcripts, test scores
Financial docs (bank statements, ITR, loan letter)
Medical exam report and PCC

Step 5: Submit Application Online (IRCC)

Create a GCKey or IRCC secure login
Upload documents, pay visa application fee (CAD $150), and biometrics fee (CAD $85)

Step 6: Biometrics & Medical

Schedule and submit biometrics at VAC
Complete IME with a panel physician

Step 7: Visa Outcome & Passport Submission

SDS: 2–4 weeks
Non-SDS: 6–12 weeks
Submit passport for visa stamping after approval

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What is Non-SDS Canada Student Visa?

The Non-SDS stream is the standard study visa route applicable to students who:

Do not meet the SDS IELTS requirement (6.0 each band)
Cannot pay the full year’s tuition in advance
Prefer to show traditional proof of funds instead of a GIC

Non-SDS offers flexibility but comes with more documentation and longer processing times.

Non-SDS Processing Timeline

Visa processing under Non-SDS may take between 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the completeness of the application and the visa officer’s review.

Non-SDS Key Requirements

LOA from a DLI
English proficiency: IELTS (overall 6.0+) or alternative exams like TOEFL/PTE (based on institution’s requirements)
Payment of partial/full tuition fee
Comprehensive financial proof, such as:

Income Tax Returns (ITR)
Savings account statements (past 4–6 months)
Education loan sanction letters
Fixed deposits or mutual fund statements

GIC optional (not mandatory)
Medical & PCC

Canada Study Visa Documents Checklist

SDS Visa Documents	Non-SDS Visa Documents
LOA from DLI	LOA from DLI
IELTS: 6.0 in each band	IELTS/PTE/TOEFL Score
1-Year Tuition Fee Receipt	Partial Tuition Fee Receipt
GIC Certificate	Bank Statement, ITRs, Sponsor Affidavit
SOP	SOP
Academic Certificates & Transcripts	Academic Certificates & Transcripts
Passport	Passport
Police Clearance Certificate	Police Clearance Certificate
Immigration Medical Examination (IME)	Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
Visa + Biometrics Fee Receipt	Visa + Biometrics Fee Receipt

Tips to Increase Study Visa Success Rate (SDS/Non-SDS)

Provide a well-drafted Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your study plan

Ensure complete and authentic financial documentation

Maintain consistency in academics and explain any backlogs or gaps

Provide work experience or internships for PG/MBA courses

Avoid errors in your visa file – always cross-check or take professional assistance

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Unclear or weak SOP

Low English language scores (especially in SDS)

Insufficient funds or poorly documented finances

Irrelevant or overqualified for selected course

Unexplained gaps in education or employment

Visa Apply

Canada Student Visa Processing Timeline

SDS Visa Documents	Non-SDS Visa Documents
SDS	20 working days (post-biometric)
Non-SDS	6–12 weeks

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