Seeking a visa for higher studies in Canada? Here is what to know about the non-SDS route

Why is the high visa refusal rate under non-SDS a concern?

Educational consultants and experts report that the visa refusal rate for non-SDS student visa applications in November and December 2024 was alarmingly high, at close to 100%.

“There was a high refusal rate of student visas under non-SDS in November and December, which is why we stopped taking student files for a while,” said Tirath Singh of Pinnacle Immigration. “We started accepting applications again in late December after assessing the situation.”

According to Canada’s official agency, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the processing time for student visas under non-SDS has now increased from four to nine weeks.

Since it was instituted in 2018, the SDS programme has boasted high approval rates, averaging at 60% and even going up to 90–100% on occasion. The streamlined nature of SDS also ensured faster processing times at around 2-3 weeks.

Experts said that the non-SDS category is slower and less predictable, leaving many applicants anxious about their chances of approval. According to them, the student visa success rate under non-SDS before 2018 used to be less than 20%.

The processing time under the non-SDS route may decrease in the coming months. However, consultants advise aspirants targeting the September college intake to start working on their applications now, anticipating delays in processing. The files of hundreds of aspirants for the May intake have been pending at the embassy for the past two months.

How do the two visa application routes compare?

The erstwhile SDS programme enforced strict criteria, including the upfront payment of one year’s tuition fees and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000, making it financially challenging for many aspirants.

Students applying under the non-SDS route enjoy a degree of flexibility, as they only need to pay six months’ tuition fees and show proof of funds as low as ₹5–6 lakh for most colleges. While GIC is still an option, it is no longer mandatory.

The English proficiency requirements are also relaxed, with students with an overall IELTS score of 6 bands and 5.5 in one module (or equivalent alternatives) eligible to apply. Thus, the non-SDS route makes studying in Canada more accessible to those who struggled to meet SDS’s rigorous demands.

However, applicants seeking this route need to provide comprehensive documentation to prove their financial stability, academic background, and strong ties to their home country. This additional scrutiny often complicates the process for applicants, said experts.

Canadian immigration officials scrutinise non-SDS applications keenly, focusing on academic consistency and career goals. Students with average or below-average academic records are frequently refused. Additionally, some applicants rely on unscrupulous immigration agents who make unrealistic promises, such as securing a visa for minimal fees. This raises concerns about unclear career goals and the possibility that the applicant may not return to their home country after completing their studies.

How can aspirants improve their visa approval chances under non-SDS?

Students are advised to maintain a strong academic record to improve their chances of visa approval under the non-SDS category, as good grades are more likely to be viewed favourably.

Although paying one year’s tuition fees and obtaining a GIC are not mandatory under non-SDS, doing so can strengthen an application. If they cannot afford that, students should ensure they can provide strong detailed proof of funds to demonstrate their ability to cover tuition and living expenses.

Securing admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada in a course aligned with recent changes in approved programmes can improve their chances.

Finally, students are advised to draft a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), which clearly explains the applicant’s career goals, reasons for choosing Canada, and the relevance of their course to their future plans.