 |
|
Canada's decision to discontinue its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program for international students has sparked widespread discussions about the country's evolving immigration policies and the impact on global students, particularly those from India. The move, announced in November 2023, comes amid a growing concern about the housing and resource crisis in Canada, prompting the government to take steps to control the influx of immigrants.
The SDS program, launched in 2018, was designed to streamline the study permit application process for international students from 14 countries, including India, China, and Brazil. It offered faster processing times and higher approval rates, making Canada a more attractive destination for international students seeking higher education. However, the Canadian government argues that the discontinuation of the SDS is necessary to 'strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process.' The government maintains that the regular study permit stream will provide a fair and transparent process for all applicants, regardless of their nationality.
The decision to discontinue the SDS has been met with mixed reactions. While some view it as a necessary step to address the growing pressure on Canada's resources, others argue that it will discourage international students from choosing Canada as their study destination. The move has also raised concerns about the potential impact on the Indian student community, which has been a significant beneficiary of the SDS program. With a large number of Indian students choosing Canada for their higher education, the discontinuation of the SDS could significantly affect the flow of Indian students to Canada. Moreover, the decision comes at a time when Canada is looking to sharply lower the number of immigrants it allows into the country, a policy shift that has been met with criticism from those who argue that Canada's strength lies in its welcoming nature towards newcomers.
The impact of the SDS discontinuation on the Indian student community remains to be seen. The Indian government has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but it is likely to closely monitor the situation and its implications for Indian students. The move also raises questions about the future of Canada's immigration policies and its commitment to international students. As Canada grapples with the challenges of housing and resource constraints, it is likely to continue evaluating its immigration policies to balance its economic and social needs. This decision will undoubtedly impact the future of international education in Canada, and it will be interesting to observe how the Canadian government navigates this complex issue in the years to come.
Source: Canada Discontinues Popular Student Visa Scheme: How It Affects Indians