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The Canadian government's recent decision to discontinue the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for international students has sent ripples of concern through the Indian community, particularly those planning to pursue higher education in Canada. The SDS, a streamlined application process for students from 14 countries, including India, was highly popular due to its faster processing times, often completing within 3 weeks. Now, students will have to navigate the standard application process, which, according to IRCC, can take up to 8 weeks, but often takes significantly longer in practice. This change raises significant concerns for many prospective students, potentially jeopardizing their academic plans and dreams of studying in Canada.
The move has sparked anxieties among parents and students alike. Kuldeep Singh, a resident of Sanghera near Barnala, shared his disappointment, stating that despite having meticulously prepared documentation and secured funds, his family's plans to send their son to Canada have been thrown into uncertainty. Similarly, Karnail Singh from Sivia near Bathinda expressed his reservations about sending his daughter to Canada, questioning whether he will reconsider his decision in light of the SDS suspension. The extended processing time for standard applications could significantly impact students' ability to secure a timely visa, potentially delaying their study start dates or even preventing their participation in desired programs.
Immigration consultants and experts speculate that the change in study permit protocols could be a precursor to a larger shift in Canada's immigration policies. This speculation is fueled by the recent announcement of a cap of 437,000 students for 2025 and the introduction of stricter eligibility criteria for post-graduation work permits, including language proficiency and specific fields of study. These developments suggest a move towards stricter control over international student intake, potentially impacting the influx of foreign students and the opportunities they receive within Canada's education system.
The suspension of the SDS for students from India and other countries carries significant implications for both students and the Canadian education sector. For aspiring students, the longer processing times could pose a serious obstacle, potentially impacting their educational plans and future career prospects. Meanwhile, the change may impact Canadian institutions reliant on international student enrollment, potentially affecting revenue streams and diversity within their student populations. The coming months will be crucial to observe the impact of these policy changes and understand their long-term implications on international student mobility and the Canadian education landscape.
Source: Canada stops SDS, fast-track popular student permit scheme for international students