SPP Program: Colleges, Requirements & Benefits

Students Partner Program or SPP Program Canada was initially launched for only Indian students. After seeing its effectiveness and success the program has been made available to China as well. The main objective of this program is to attract more Indian students to take admission to Canadian colleges and increase the number of student visas. Students are not needed to make any separate applications for the SPP program. While applying to an SPP-affiliated college in Canada, they will be automatically considered if they are eligible. Students are advised to apply at least 3 months before the start of their academic session.

What is SPP or Students Partner Program?

SPP Program or Students Partner Program was formed in April 2009 with an alliance formed between Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). This program provides a faster visa process and requires fewer documents. Students who are applying to participating SPP colleges can avail of the program if they are eligible.

Requirements for SPP Program for Indian Students

An IELTS score of at least 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
Most colleges accept only 2 years of study gap. Students with 3 years gap can be allowed if they have excellent academic scores and work experiences.
Maximum 8 backlogs are allowed.
The applied course should be relevant to previous studies and must add value to students’ study background.
A minimum academic score of 50%
Proof of payment of one-year or one-semester tuition fee
Proof of GIC or Guaranteed Investment Certificate purchase from Scotia Bank amounting to 10,000 CAD (6.09 lakhs INR)
If any student was rejected for a Canadian student visa, he/she will not be eligible for the SPP program.

Top Colleges under SPP Program Canada

There are over 40 colleges in Canada that have Students Partner Program. Here are the top colleges in Canada that accept students through the SPP program.

Application Process for SPP Program Canada

Applying to a SPP college and a non-SPP college is not that much different. Students are advised to check tuition fees and required documents before applying. The application process is easy.

Students have to choose the college and the course they want to apply for.
Students will need a study permit and they have to apply for a temporary resident visa.
Apply online. Fill up the application form and VFS form.
Students can also apply by visiting the nearest VSF Canada office and submitting the form.

What are advantages of applying under SPP program?

Indian students will be benefited if they choose to apply under SPP Canada program. The advantages are as follows.

Fast Process: The visa process is a lot faster than the general visa application process. With the SPP the visa processing takes only 5 to 10 days. It saves a lot of time and effort.
Quality of the Institution: The quality of the universities under SPP program is guaranteed as some of the top universities in Canada are SPP affiliated.
Fewer Documents: Students are required to submit less amount of documents if applying under Students Partnership Program. For example, this program does not require the income tax documents of the students.

Working in Canada under SPP after Graduation

Students studying in Canada under the SPP program are allowed to work in Canada after graduation just like the non-SPP students. To work after graduation, they will need a post-graduation work permit which allows the students to work for maximum 3 years. The duration will vary depending on the duration of the course.

FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between SDS and SPP?

Ans. The SPP or Students Partner Program is now known by SDS or Student Direct Scheme. The former has been recently replaced by the latter.

Ques. Are SPP colleges in Canada good?

Ans. Yes. Many of the top colleges in Canada have gone under the SPP program. Students have a comparatively higher chance of getting selected for an SPP college as there is a lesser chance of visa rejection.

Ques. What are SPP and non-SPP colleges in Canada?

Ans. SPP colleges are those that have joined forces with the Student Partnership Program. The colleges automatically consider students who are eligible for the program. Non-SPP colleges don’t have the SPP Canada Program.