Canada has recently discontinued its Student Direct Stream (SDS) pathway, a program that had previously expedited visa processing for eligible international students. According to consultants, the revised guidelines have not yet been fully updated on the Canadian embassy’s official portal, creating confusion among applicants.
Tirath Singh noted that applying for a study visa without complete information could lead to avoidable complications. “We’ve seen this before. Last August, when there was an update about IELTS scores, many applicants were confused until the embassy clarified the new requirements. To avoid similar issues, students should wait for written clarity,” he explained.
Focus on Canadian Offer Letters and Strategic Planning
While recommending a cautious approach to visa applications, consultants emphasize the importance of securing offer letters immediately. This step not only guarantees admission but also provides students with additional time to prepare financially and academically.
“Students should pay only the minimal fees required by colleges to reserve their seats,” said Tirath. He advised against making full course payments or prematurely submitting visa applications. Instead, he encouraged students to carefully select programs from the list of 970 courses recently announced by Canadian institutions, prioritizing options with strong post-graduation employment prospects.
Consultants are also suggesting deferring applications to the Canadian 2025 intake, allowing students time to bolster their academic and financial profiles.
Strengthen Financial Documentation
Financial preparedness is emerging as a critical factor for visa approval. Gurpreet Singh, a consultant based in Kapurthala, emphasized the importance of maintaining proof of funds. “Students must have the required funds in their accounts for at least four months, but having them for longer could be an advantage,” he said.
This waiting period can be utilized to strengthen financial documentation, ensuring students meet or exceed the embassy’s expectations.
Advice for Navigating the Transition
Consultants predict updates to the embassy portal within the next one to two weeks. However, they caution students against hasty decisions and encourage them to seek guidance from experienced professionals.
“Some consultants may push students to apply immediately, but it’s essential to rely on genuine advice that prioritizes long-term success over short-term gains,” Gurpreet Singh added.
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