Historical note: the SDS (Student Direct Stream) discussed here was later discontinued by IRCC (late 2024); the reasoning pattern still applies to any 'fast stream vs regular stream' choice.An applicant asked whether to apply SDS or non-SDS after seeing posts of non-SDS applicants getting passport requests within days. The group's verdict:
- Fast non-SDS anecdotes are survivorship bias. The visible quick approvals are outliers people post about; a non-SDS applicant in the same thread had been waiting over three months. One member called it flatly 'just a myth that non-SDS people are getting visas faster.'
- If you qualify for the designated fast stream, use it. The clearest advice given: 'If you are eligible in SDS then highly recommend to apply through SDS stream.' A stream with defined requirements (language score, upfront fees/GIC) has more predictable processing than the general queue.
- Don't pick a stream based on this week's timeline screenshots. Processing speed varies by visa office, country, and month; eligibility criteria and documentation strength are the factors you actually control.