Can you please tell me something about study permit under general category I don't have any information about that as my file is also lodged under general category
More or less all the visa application process is one and same (with little difference here and there). Below is a brief snapshot as per my experience.
1. SPP - Pls. note that this category does NOT exist anymore. This was good for students who wished to pursue further higher education immediately after their 10th or 12th grade or in some cases after their Bachelors. It had certain rules & regulation regarding IELTS score, fees payment and other stuff, which if fulfilled would have almost guaranteed a visa.
2. University Category - This is mostly for students who wish to pursue further higher education at the University and not at public Colleges. Mostly the applicants in this category won't have any study gap, would have higher IELTS score, good past academic scores or percentage, almost no arrears or backlogs, good financial proofs, a good study & future plan etc etc.
3. General Category - This is mostly for students who need to support their application with a lot of supporting documents (other than what is mentioned in visa application checklist). Many folks used to refer this process as Non-SPP earlier. Mostly the students who have study gap, arrears, change of study path and other hell lot of things to explain to visa officer will choose this application method.
4. SDS - This is newly introduced process that replaces the SPP. It's rules & regulation are similar but higher than SPP. It is good for applicants who do not need to support their applications with heavy paperwork and just need to submit what is mentioned in application checklist. Good IELTS score, paying one year academic fees, good past academics, offer letter from reputed top university, paid GIC, upfront medical etc. can guarantee you a study visa in less than 45days.
