Last Updated on November 12, 2024
Breaking News: Ottawa Announces the End of Fast-Track Visa Program for Indian Students
In a surprising turn, Canada has suddenly decided to suspend the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a fast-track visa program for Indian students desirous of higher studies in Canada. This decision is likely to impact thousands of aspirants and spread doubt over one of the most favored routes for Indian students to get quick entry into Canadian universities.
What Was the SDS Program?
SDS was launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to fasten the study abroad process, allowing international students from India, the Philippines, China, and some other nations to receive their permits within a week. This efficient pathway ensured that students would reduce the time spent waiting for visa approvals and eased the long and rigorous process of visa approval.
However, the said program has been withdrawn for the applicants wishing to apply for the visa after November 8, now forcing them to apply through a normal, time-consuming permit application process.
Canada’s Reasoning – Ensuring “Fairness for All”
Canada’s government has said that the closure of SDS corresponds to a new approach to immigration that has been outlined to “promote equity.” In these measures, Canada has also placed a cap on new study permits, which can be granted only up to 437,000 in 2025.
While authorities call this shift the method that will help to control immigration overload, critics mention that, in effect, it seems to be part of the process of denying entry to Canada, which has been one of the most actively discussed issues regarding growth and resources.
Who Will Be Affected?
Students from India and from other eligible countries who applied for SDS after November 8, 2024, will not be eligible for this expedited process. They can, however, go through the normal permit procedures, which may take as long as two and a half months or more. It is also vital to note that students are legally allowed to use GICs as proof of funds and financial support, but the wait might affect many students’ planned start dates.
What Are the Alternatives?
Europe, in particular, has emerged as a top alternative for Indian students. With the largest number of highly-rated universities in the QS World University Rankings 2024, European institutions are becoming increasingly popular, offering a range of English-taught programs and diverse cultural experiences.
Plan Your Next Steps with Admissify
In case you need help figuring out where to start, Admissify offers a free consultation to ensure you get to explore new destinations, given the current unprecedented conditions. That is why Europe might become your perfect choice for the next part of your educational journey. Visit the Admissify website for more information about studying in Europe, or call for a free consultation with our specialists.
Bhaskarjyoti Paul is a seasoned content writer with over three years of experience within the ed-tech space. Specialising in study abroad and academic content, Bhaskarjyoti excels at creating SEO-optimized articles that drive traffic and engagement and blog and website content that engages and informs readers. Bhaskarjyoti handles social media content for Admissify, designs compelling narratives and spearheads engagement across multiple platforms. With a desire to help students and a keen eye for detail, Bhaskarjyoti brings a wealth of knowledge to every project.
