(Historical: this thread is from the 2022 IRCC backlog period, when SDS processing far exceeded advertised timelines. Current processing speeds differ — the decision framework is what transfers.)An SDS applicant from India (applied March 14, 2022, biometrics March 21) for a May intake asked whether to defer to September or start the course online while waiting, since medicals hadn't updated.
- Gauge where the queue actually is. A member waiting on their own file reported IRCC was only then deciding applications from early February — meaning a mid-March file was realistically months from a decision. Checking what filing dates are currently being decided (from group timelines) gives a better forecast than the official tracker.
- Deferral was the safer recommendation. Given the backlog, the first suggestion was to defer to the September intake rather than gamble on a May start.
- Starting online and joining mid-semester was viable too. When the poster suggested beginning classes online from May 5, the member agreed it could work — arrive mid-semester once the visa comes through. (Confirm your institution and current IRCC rules permit this before relying on it.)
- Nobody can promise a date. Asked 'will I get it by May end?', the honest answer was 'I don't know — processing is really slow.' Build plans around that uncertainty rather than a hoped-for date.