SPP Colleges Application Process

Note: The Government of Canada announced the end of the Student Direct Stream (SDS program) on 09 November 2024.  Earlier, the Student Partners Program (SPP) was replaced by the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program in the year 2018. Now, students are applying for Canadian Student Visa through general category like students of other countries.

The application process under SPP Canada, where SPP stands for the Student Partners Program, is not extremely different than applying to any Canadian university or college. However, it is essential to know the details of the application process to SPP colleges to make sure there is no lapse or error in any application stage. Here we have described the steps to get admission to an SPP college and visa. The most important factor to note are the finances. If you have sorted your finances early on, getting the visa stamped will become easier.

Selecting an SPP college And Course of Choice

Depending on your budget and course of choice, you will have to shortlist colleges in Canada. Since only 40 odd colleges are under SPP program , your search will be limited to those. If region is an important for you, then consider that as well.

Appearing for the Required Tests

In most cases, you will have to appear only for IELTS or TOEFL. Since the courses offered at SPP colleges are usually diploma/certificate, you will not be required to take GMAT or GRE exams which are considered more difficult.

Apply for Course Admission

Now you will have to submit your application form and all the required documents and transcripts. The required list of documents differs from college to college, but usually Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendations, Essay and exam scores are required. We have detailed coverage on each of these sections and have also provided sample SOPs and LORs for different courses.

Medical Examination

A medical examination has to be taken by Indian applicants before applying for the visa by one of the Canadian Govt. approved medical centers. You will be provided with a receipt for the medical examination, which you will have to submit with your visa application.

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)

You will be required to purchase a special Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for the amount of CAD $20,635 towards the first year living expenses. Or you can meet the financial requirement by submitting a copy of educational loan equal to CAD $20,635 taken from an Indian chartered bank as the first year’s tuition fee payment. However, you will have to check with your college whether they will accept the second option or not. GIC Canada amount CAD 20,635 (INR 12,75,878 Approx). 

Apply for the student visa

The last step to the application process is applying for the student visa. Once you receive your acceptance letter from the college you can start with the visa application process. The process of applying to SPP visa is simpler than normal student visa for Canada as less documents are required for verification.

You need the following documents to apply for a study visa:

• Letter of acceptance
• Original Passport and its copies
• Proof of financial support/student loan

Finances Required

You need to arrange minimum funds to ensure that your visa gets accepted. The amount needs to include one-year tuition fees and living expense, fixed at CAD 20,635 or more by Canadian immigration laws.

1. As proof of funds you need to produce some of the following documents
2. Proof of Student/Education loan
3. Bank statement of last four months
4. Bank draft in convertible currency
5. Proof of payment of tuition fee and accommodation rent to the college
6. Proof of funding paid for scholarship from Canada (if any)