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:
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:
How it Could Affect Indian Students
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.
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