The recent discontinuation of Canada’s SDS visa programme, which expedited international student visa processing, has sparked significant debate. This decision, part of broader immigration reforms unveiled by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September, has particularly impacted thousands of Indian students. The issue was raised during the Winter Session of India’s Parliament, where the government assured that the benefits of the new system outweigh the challenges.
What Was the SDS Visa Programme?
Introduced in 2018, the Canada Student Direct Stream Visa Programme enabled faster visa processing for students from India and other eligible nations. By meeting specific academic and financial criteria, applicants could enjoy expedited approval timelines.
Key requirements for SDS included:
- Upfront payment of one year’s tuition fees.
- Provision of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD 20,635 (~₹12 lakh).
- Achievement of specified language proficiency benchmarks.
These measures ensured faster approvals but were often criticized for their higher financial demands.
Regular Study Permits to Replace SDS
As of November 8, the SDS visa programme has been replaced by the regular study permit process. Junior External Affairs Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighted in Parliament that this shift reduces financial barriers for aspiring students.
“Under the regular route, students no longer need to pay the full year’s tuition fee upfront. Only six months’ fees are required, making the application process more affordable,” Singh informed the House.
The Canadian government emphasized that the decision aims to enhance fairness in the visa application process and strengthen the integrity of its immigration system.
Why India is Closely Monitoring the Change
India remains Canada’s largest source of international students, with over 4,27,000 Indian students currently enrolled in Canadian educational institutions. Minister Singh reassured Parliament that issues affecting Indian students are regularly discussed with Canadian authorities.
“All concerns facing Indian students in Canada are taken seriously. The Government of India prioritizes their welfare and will continue to address these changes proactively,” Singh affirmed.
Canada’s Immigration Strategy: A Shift in Numbers
The SDS visa programme’s termination is part of a larger immigration reform strategy. On October 24, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced significant cuts to immigration targets.
- Permanent resident admissions: Capped at 3,95,000 for 2025, down from 4,85,000 in 2024.
- Temporary immigrant numbers: Set to drop to 4,46,000 in 2025–2026 from 8,00,000 in 2024.
- By 2027: Non-permanent resident intake will be restricted to just 17,400 annually.
This strategic adjustment aligns with Canada’s efforts to manage its immigration systems more effectively, while balancing socio-economic considerations.
Implications for Students: Challenges and Opportunities
While the discontinuation of the Canada SDS Visa Programme has created uncertainty for many, the shift to the regular study permit system may benefit students facing financial constraints.
Experts suggest that while processing timelines under the regular system may be slightly longer, the reduced upfront financial burden could attract a broader pool of applicants.
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