SDS applicants 2021 - Philippines (Lets Collaborate)
- Thread starter adcastro
- Start date
Kabayan, I am also from the Philippines and I applied under SDS. but this was back in 2018. In my case, I did not include my family in my SP application because my son wants to finish his 11th grade there and say goodby to his friends. But they did came with me in November 2018 under visit visa to spend christmas with my inlaws. And they went back to the Philippines after the new year. In February2019, my wife filed her SOWP application together with my son’s SP application. I went to the local school board and pre-registered my son for 12th grade and attached this registration as my son’s LOA (not really required but I did it anyway). March 2019 they got their approval and joined me in June during the summer.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask them and I will try to answer them the best way I can.
Best wishes to your application.
Hi rogelcorral,
Kabayan! I will highly appreciate your help
I'm planning to take the Winter 2022 semester and current preparing the requirements. May I ask the following:
1. Can you remember how long did it take starting from the time you submit your application until you've been approved?
2. I'm planning to submit my wife's application as well via SDS. Do you have any idea if she can apply for an open work visa? What's the usual requirement?
3. After submitting all the requirements via SDS, am I supposed to get a visa or a study permit? Is this a single process or separate to get both?
Thanks!
Kabayan! I will highly appreciate your help
I'm planning to take the Winter 2022 semester and current preparing the requirements. May I ask the following:
1. Can you remember how long did it take starting from the time you submit your application until you've been approved?
2. I'm planning to submit my wife's application as well via SDS. Do you have any idea if she can apply for an open work visa? What's the usual requirement?
3. After submitting all the requirements via SDS, am I supposed to get a visa or a study permit? Is this a single process or separate to get both?
Thanks!
Kabayan @adcastro ,
1. Back in 2018, I lodged my application in September. Exactly 1 month and 1 week later I received my approval. Another fellow Filipino whom i met in this forum filed his at the same time (non-SDS with SOWP). They got their approval 1 week earlier than mine.
2. Yes, spouse can apply for the SOWP or spouse open work permit. Approval is not usually guaranteed. However, a number of our kababayans got our SOWP approved. Wala pa ko nabalitaan sa pinas na na-disapproved. Requirements are: your study permit, proof of additional funds (pero kung may kamag anak kayo dito, pwede na yung letter of accommodation). If you have properties, attached those docs as well. Then either you write SOP letter or your wife. If you are applying all together, just the proof of additional funds for accommodation.
3. Visa (TRV) application is already included in SP application if filed outside Canada. Once approved, Embassy will attach the counterfoil (visa) to your passport and you will get your SP at point of entry. You can also apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at POE (katabi lang ng counter kung saan mo makukuha SP mo).
Which DLI are you applying and which program? Province? Best to apply for programs at least 2 years in length. Because you only get 1 year PGWP with 1 year programs. Hard to get the required 1 yr experience to qualify for CEC with short PGWPs.
1. Back in 2018, I lodged my application in September. Exactly 1 month and 1 week later I received my approval. Another fellow Filipino whom i met in this forum filed his at the same time (non-SDS with SOWP). They got their approval 1 week earlier than mine.
2. Yes, spouse can apply for the SOWP or spouse open work permit. Approval is not usually guaranteed. However, a number of our kababayans got our SOWP approved. Wala pa ko nabalitaan sa pinas na na-disapproved. Requirements are: your study permit, proof of additional funds (pero kung may kamag anak kayo dito, pwede na yung letter of accommodation). If you have properties, attached those docs as well. Then either you write SOP letter or your wife. If you are applying all together, just the proof of additional funds for accommodation.
3. Visa (TRV) application is already included in SP application if filed outside Canada. Once approved, Embassy will attach the counterfoil (visa) to your passport and you will get your SP at point of entry. You can also apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at POE (katabi lang ng counter kung saan mo makukuha SP mo).
Which DLI are you applying and which program? Province? Best to apply for programs at least 2 years in length. Because you only get 1 year PGWP with 1 year programs. Hard to get the required 1 yr experience to qualify for CEC with short PGWPs.
Hi rogelcorral,
That was fast.
For SOWP, is it alright if she will just look for a job there and won't study in Canada?
Btw, can you still remember the documents that you submitted? is a GIC a requirement for SDS? I'm asking this because I'm not seeing it the document checklist.
Here's what I follow: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5836E.pdf . Then the other requirements were from the IRCC portal which I assume that it is the SDS portal as well: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html, here I can upload the documents that they require.
Any thoughts?
That was fast.
For SOWP, is it alright if she will just look for a job there and won't study in Canada?
Btw, can you still remember the documents that you submitted? is a GIC a requirement for SDS? I'm asking this because I'm not seeing it the document checklist.
Here's what I follow: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5836E.pdf . Then the other requirements were from the IRCC portal which I assume that it is the SDS portal as well: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html, here I can upload the documents that they require.
Any thoughts?
Yes, kabayan, the spouse can work under the spouse open work permit (SOWP). SOWP holders cannot study under that permit. Good thing is, SOWP holders can work full time, more than 20hrs per week. Compared to students who are allowed only up to 20hrs per week if working off-campus.
Documents I submitted: LOA, 1 year full fees paid upfront, Program Enrollment Letter, IELTS, GIC $10K, Resume, ITRs and employment certificates, property documents and SOP. GIC and IELTS are required for SDS applications.
I submitted my ITRs together with my COEs to prove my work experience. Iba kasi ang bachelors ko dyan sa work experience ko. I did Aeronautcal Engineering but got 20+years in IT. And I applied for a 2-year diploma in Computer.
When submitting attachments in the gckey portal, you can submit other documents under the additional client information. Just merge all pdf together (suggest to have a simple table of contents as the first page so that VO would have an idea on the full content).
Documents I submitted: LOA, 1 year full fees paid upfront, Program Enrollment Letter, IELTS, GIC $10K, Resume, ITRs and employment certificates, property documents and SOP. GIC and IELTS are required for SDS applications.
I submitted my ITRs together with my COEs to prove my work experience. Iba kasi ang bachelors ko dyan sa work experience ko. I did Aeronautcal Engineering but got 20+years in IT. And I applied for a 2-year diploma in Computer.
When submitting attachments in the gckey portal, you can submit other documents under the additional client information. Just merge all pdf together (suggest to have a simple table of contents as the first page so that VO would have an idea on the full content).
Understood. This really helps kabayan!
The last part really explains it well. Now I get the idea
Do I still need to prepare a show money even I paid 1 year tuition fee and $10K GIC?
Also, may interview din ba from embassy both for me and my wife as part of the SDS application?
I'll discuss these with my wife. Btw, I'm getting a masteral degree in Carleton University (M'Eng) and that's a 2 year course. For SDS I need to pay for 1 year tuition fee?
The last part really explains it well. Now I get the idea
Do I still need to prepare a show money even I paid 1 year tuition fee and $10K GIC?
Also, may interview din ba from embassy both for me and my wife as part of the SDS application?
I'll discuss these with my wife. Btw, I'm getting a masteral degree in Carleton University (M'Eng) and that's a 2 year course. For SDS I need to pay for 1 year tuition fee?
Hello again, kabayan.
Showing additional funds is always a good idea. It could help a lot in the financial side. I think if you are travelling with a spouse and one child, you would need an additional $7K aside from the $10K for the SP applicant.
Wala na interview, that’s why the SOP is very important since this is the applicant’s chance to explain everything to the VO. Write your SOP like you are being interviewed with these questions:
Yes, for SDS 1year fee paid upfront is required. IMHO, it is better to apply under SDS kasi there’s less financial documents needed.
With a 2-year program, you usually qualify for a 3-year PGWP.
Showing additional funds is always a good idea. It could help a lot in the financial side. I think if you are travelling with a spouse and one child, you would need an additional $7K aside from the $10K for the SP applicant.
Wala na interview, that’s why the SOP is very important since this is the applicant’s chance to explain everything to the VO. Write your SOP like you are being interviewed with these questions:
- Why study in Canada?
- Why choose that program?
- Why choose that particular uni/college?
- Is your intended program related to your previous degree and/or current work experience
- How will your intended program help your career when you go back home?
- Are there any job opportunities back home once you finish your program?
Yes, for SDS 1year fee paid upfront is required. IMHO, it is better to apply under SDS kasi there’s less financial documents needed.
With a 2-year program, you usually qualify for a 3-year PGWP.
Hi Kabayan!
So I need to create (2) letters?
1. My SOP aligned to what you mentioned:
2. SOP letter of my wife why she is coming to Canada with me.
Also, there's this statement of travel being required in the SDS portal:
You must submit proof that you are coming to Canada for a temporary visit.
Examples of what you can provide as proof:
A scanned copy of:
So I need to create (2) letters?
1. My SOP aligned to what you mentioned:
- Why study in Canada?
- Why choose that program?
- Why choose that particular uni/college?
- Is your intended program related to your previous degree and/or current work experience
- How will your intended program help your career when you go back home?
- Are there any job opportunities back home once you finish your program?
2. SOP letter of my wife why she is coming to Canada with me.
Also, there's this statement of travel being required in the SDS portal:
You must submit proof that you are coming to Canada for a temporary visit.
Examples of what you can provide as proof:
A scanned copy of:
- Your flight ticket departing Canada,
- Your travel itinerary (e.g. places you will visit or stay, such as hotel booking),
- Proof of a medical appointment.
Hello Kabayan,
1. Mentioning that you want to work and stay after studying is called dual intent. Some were able to successfully lodge an application under dual intent, while some were not. It is a bit of a grey area. IRCC acknowledges that most, not all, SP applicants want to immigrate eventually. Canada even encourages international students to stay after graduation by offering such pathways as Canadian work experience through PGWP. Canadian education also gives you additional points in the EE profile. Yet, applicants need to prove that after studying, he/she is going back to home country. Initially, it looks like a contradiction. But analysing deeper, I came to understand (just me, though) that Canada wants to make sure that, should it not work for you here and need to go back to COR, you would still have a viable career. That your huge investment in Canadian education would be an asset.
2. For spouse’s SOP, you can mention that you want to keep the family together. My wife wrote that, aside from wanting to be with me, she would also work to help defray the cost of living while I pursue my college program. OK lang naman kung sabihin na magta trabaho si misis dahil nag aaply naman kasi ng work permit.
I am not sure about your question regarding temporary stay. It looks like the application is for a visitor visa only. Would you be able to check once again if the purpose of visit of accompanying family member is to work?
1. Mentioning that you want to work and stay after studying is called dual intent. Some were able to successfully lodge an application under dual intent, while some were not. It is a bit of a grey area. IRCC acknowledges that most, not all, SP applicants want to immigrate eventually. Canada even encourages international students to stay after graduation by offering such pathways as Canadian work experience through PGWP. Canadian education also gives you additional points in the EE profile. Yet, applicants need to prove that after studying, he/she is going back to home country. Initially, it looks like a contradiction. But analysing deeper, I came to understand (just me, though) that Canada wants to make sure that, should it not work for you here and need to go back to COR, you would still have a viable career. That your huge investment in Canadian education would be an asset.
2. For spouse’s SOP, you can mention that you want to keep the family together. My wife wrote that, aside from wanting to be with me, she would also work to help defray the cost of living while I pursue my college program. OK lang naman kung sabihin na magta trabaho si misis dahil nag aaply naman kasi ng work permit.
I am not sure about your question regarding temporary stay. It looks like the application is for a visitor visa only. Would you be able to check once again if the purpose of visit of accompanying family member is to work?
Hi Kabayan!
May I know if you have your medical examination and biometrics before or after submitting your application via SDS?
It is mentioned that those are part of the requirements for SDS. However, when we tried to call the VFS Global (Visa application centre (VAC)) here in Manila, they mentioned that I should wait for the embassy's instruction before I take those 2. Any thoughts?
May I know if you have your medical examination and biometrics before or after submitting your application via SDS?
It is mentioned that those are part of the requirements for SDS. However, when we tried to call the VFS Global (Visa application centre (VAC)) here in Manila, they mentioned that I should wait for the embassy's instruction before I take those 2. Any thoughts?
Hello Kabayan,
Yes, I did upfront medical. You can choose between St. Lukes Global City or IOM Manila. I went to IOM kasi mas mura sa kanila. You can call them to set up an appointment, sabihin mo lang upfront medical alam na nila yun.
Biometrics was not yet required when I applied in 2018 (at least for the Philippines). It only started January 2019. Kaya ang mag ina ko nag biometrics nung mag apply na sila ng SOWP at SP nung February 2019.
VFS Global is just for processing paper applications. If you are applying online (SDS is an online application), you will only deal with them when you get your approval and receive a passport request for counterfoil stamping.
Yes, I did upfront medical. You can choose between St. Lukes Global City or IOM Manila. I went to IOM kasi mas mura sa kanila. You can call them to set up an appointment, sabihin mo lang upfront medical alam na nila yun.
Biometrics was not yet required when I applied in 2018 (at least for the Philippines). It only started January 2019. Kaya ang mag ina ko nag biometrics nung mag apply na sila ng SOWP at SP nung February 2019.
VFS Global is just for processing paper applications. If you are applying online (SDS is an online application), you will only deal with them when you get your approval and receive a passport request for counterfoil stamping.
Hi Kabayan!
For your wife and child's biometric, did they do upfront biometrics? Can you still recall where did they go to get their biometrics?
Btw, if both our applications has been approved, are we getting the same length of stay in Canada?
Also, would like to validate if I am in the right page of prepare of the documents. Can you confirm?
1. Student Direct Stream: How to apply (Philippines) ---> This is the1st guide that I follow
2. IRCC Secure Account ---> Is this the right portal for SDS online applications?
3. Visa office instructions – Study [IMM 5836] (PDF, 407 KB) ---> This is the 2nd guide that I follow (related to item#1)
For your wife and child's biometric, did they do upfront biometrics? Can you still recall where did they go to get their biometrics?
Btw, if both our applications has been approved, are we getting the same length of stay in Canada?
Also, would like to validate if I am in the right page of prepare of the documents. Can you confirm?
1. Student Direct Stream: How to apply (Philippines) ---> This is the1st guide that I follow
2. IRCC Secure Account ---> Is this the right portal for SDS online applications?
3. Visa office instructions – Study [IMM 5836] (PDF, 407 KB) ---> This is the 2nd guide that I follow (related to item#1)
Hello Kabayan,
Paper application ang mag-ina ko. Because during that time, the biometrics was just new. We don’t know the process yet. They opted to file a paper application instead so that they can ask from VFS. Very accommodating naman sila. And they will check your documents if complete. At nag biometrics na rin sila agad.
1. yes
2. yes
3.yes
Paper application ang mag-ina ko. Because during that time, the biometrics was just new. We don’t know the process yet. They opted to file a paper application instead so that they can ask from VFS. Very accommodating naman sila. And they will check your documents if complete. At nag biometrics na rin sila agad.
1. yes
2. yes
3.yes
Hi Kabayan!
Kamusta?
Would like to ask what are the requirements for SOWP? Do they need to take IELTS as well? will the company/ employer will ask for an IELTS once they look for a job having a SOWP or SOPW itself will do?
If I'll be using the reference provided in the SDS/IRCC in which I will submit my application together with my wife's, here's the requirements:
1. IMM1295
2. Passport
3. Digital Photo
4. Purpose of Travel
5. Other references
Kamusta?
Would like to ask what are the requirements for SOWP? Do they need to take IELTS as well? will the company/ employer will ask for an IELTS once they look for a job having a SOWP or SOPW itself will do?
If I'll be using the reference provided in the SDS/IRCC in which I will submit my application together with my wife's, here's the requirements:
1. IMM1295
2. Passport
3. Digital Photo
4. Purpose of Travel
5. Other references