Indian Students Express Concern As Canada Ends Fast-Track Visa Program

Indian students are concerned about Canada’s recent decision to end its fast-track Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program. The program, which allowed eligible students that obtain study permits more quickly by being a popular choice for those seeking to study in Canada. This policy change was implemented immediately on Friday and is expected to affect thousands of students from various countries, including a large population from India. The students of India will now be required to apply through the regular study permit stream, which could consume large processing times. The total number of students currently studying in Canada represents the highest proportion amongst the international student community in the country.

The decision to discontinue the SDS and NSE programmes is aimed at ‘strengthening program integrity’, according to Canadian immigration authorities, the move is intended to ensure a more equitable process for international students with fair treatment for applicants from all countries. 

What are the SDS and NSE Programs? 

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, introduced in 2018, allowed students from particular countries to apply for study permits with a shorter processing time, usually within 20 business days. Initially available to residents of countries like China, India, and the Philippines, the program expanded later including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Morocco, and others. The primary aim of SDS is to enhance program integrity, reduce student vulnerability, and ensure that all students have equal access to the application process, also ensuring a positive academic journey. Without SDS, students from now may face long waiting times of up to eight weeks or longer, depending on the application load and processing timelines. 

Canada introduced the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) as a parallel to the SDS, tailored to address the growing demand among Nigerian students to study in Canada. The NSE allowed eligible Nigerian students to benefit from faster study permit processing times, thus enabling them to pursue education in Canada with fewer administrative delays. As of November 8, 2024, Nigerian students, like others, must apply through the regular study permit stream. 

Reasons for Ending SDS and NSE

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cited three primary reasons for terminating the SDS and NSE programs:

1. Strengthening Program Integrity: By consolidating the study permit process, Canada aims to increase transparency, ensure all applications are reviewed consistently, and prevent issues of fraud, misrepresentation, and exploitation among international students.

2. Addressing System Vulnerabilities: The specialized streams introduced potential risks by creating separate processing paths, which led to cases of abuse and exploitation. IRCC hopes that a single streamlined process will better protect applicants and uphold Canada’s standards.

3. Ensuring Equal Opportunity for All Applicants: Canada is known for inclusivity, and this move reinforces that commitment. With the regular study permit stream, every applicant now follows the same procedures, creating a level playing field for students worldwide.

4. Enhancing the Academic Experience: Beyond facilitating entry, Canada aims to attract students genuinely invested in their education, ensuring that those who meet academic standards can thrive within the Canadian education system.

Key Details for Students

With the discontinuation of SDS and NSE, all prospective international students will go through the regular study permit stream, which will have long processing times compared to the specialized streams. However, this change introduces several key points to consider:

• Use of Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs):
  Applicants can still submit a GIC to prove financial stability, ensuring they can cover their education and living expenses while studying in Canada.
• Standardized Application Requirements:
  Former SDS and NSE applicants must now meet the same academic, financial, and language proficiency criteria as all other study permit applicants.
• Applications Submitted Before Cut-Off Time Honored:
  Any SDS or NSE applications submitted before the November 8 cut-off will be processed under those programs’ guidelines, allowing these students to retain the benefits of expedited processing.

How it Could Affect Indian Students 

• In 2023, 60 per cent of the 400,000 Indian students seeking to study in Canada applied through the SDS programme had a notably higher approval rate, with over 70% of applicants from India receiving study permits. In contrast, those applying via the regular study permit stream faced much lower approval rates, dropping to just 10%.

• India is an economic source of international students for Canada, and this change could influence the number of Indian students seeking study permits. As of 2024, more than 13 lakh Indian students have received study permits, with nearly 137,500 permits issued this year only, accounting for 36.7 per cent of the total international student intake.

• This shift could lead some students to explore other study destinations or reconsider their plans, as the regular study permit process may present challenges with longer waiting periods.

• This change aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to maintain the integrity of its immigration system providing equal opportunities for all international students. Additionally, on November 1, Canada implemented new requirements for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) program, which now mandates proof of language proficiency as part of the application process.

Canada’s decision to end the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express visa programs marks a strategic shift towards a unified and more robust immigration system.
While this change may extend the processing times for study permits, it reinforces Canada’s commitment to equity, transparency, and integrity in its international student policies. By offering a single, fair application process, Canada aims to attract diverse, qualified students eager to contribute to its academic landscape.