 |
|
The Canadian government has made a significant shift in its international student visa policy, ending the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) program that offered expedited processing for students from various countries, including India. This decision, announced on November 8, 2023, has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from Indian students who have long benefited from the program's streamlined application process.
The SDS, introduced in 2018, aimed to facilitate the entry of international students from countries like India, China, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The program's success in expediting the application process, particularly for Indian students, who constitute a significant portion of Canada's international student population, has been widely acknowledged. However, the Canadian government has cited the need to ensure 'equal opportunities for all students' as the rationale behind the program's termination. This decision also affects the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program, which offered a similar fast-track option for Nigerian students.
While the government maintains that the move is intended to promote fairness and transparency in the visa application process, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on international student recruitment. The regular study permit process, which will now apply to all students, lacks the expedited processing guarantee offered by the SDS. This change could potentially create longer processing times, potentially impacting students' ability to plan their studies and secure timely admission to Canadian universities.
The termination of the SDS comes at a time when Canada faces significant challenges in meeting its immigration targets. The country is actively seeking to attract skilled workers and international students to address labor shortages and fuel economic growth. However, the recent policy shift raises questions about the government's commitment to attracting international talent and its ability to navigate the complexities of global student mobility in a rapidly changing world.
Source: Big blow for Indian students as Canada ends fast-track SDS visa scheme