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The Canadian government's decision to suspend its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) program has sent ripples through the international student community, particularly in India. The SDS, introduced in 2018, had offered a streamlined pathway for students from select countries, including India, to obtain study permits in Canada, with faster processing times and higher approval rates. However, the recent suspension of this program has created significant challenges for Indian students seeking to pursue their education in Canada.
The suspension of the SDS program is part of a broader shift in Canada's immigration policy. The government, facing pressure from rising housing costs and concerns about the impact of an influx of international students on public services, has decided to tighten the reins on student visa issuance. This includes imposing a cap on the number of study permits issued each year, starting in 2025, and tightening the eligibility criteria for both study permits and Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
The most immediate impact of the SDS suspension on Indian students is the significant increase in processing times. While the SDS program offered processing times of around 20 days, students applying through the regular stream now face an average wait of 8 weeks. This delay adds uncertainty to their study plans and forces them to apply well in advance. Additionally, the approval rates for Indian students under the regular stream are significantly lower than those under the SDS, adding another layer of anxiety to the application process.
The new regulations also impose stricter financial requirements on international students. The Canadian government has raised the cost-of-living requirements, making it harder for students from lower-income families to demonstrate their financial capacity. This adds to the financial burden for many students, already facing rising tuition fees and accommodation costs.
The decision to limit the availability of open work permits for spouses of international students is another blow for Indian applicants. Under the SDS program, spouses were eligible for open work permits, enabling them to support their families while living in Canada. The new policy revisions curtail this benefit, adding further financial strain on Indian students and their families. This could discourage many students from choosing Canada as their study destination, especially those who rely on their spouse's income.
The timing of these changes has added further complexity to the situation. Recent months have seen a decline in diplomatic relations between India and Canada, with issues like trade disputes and political differences creating tensions. While the Canadian government has not explicitly linked the SDS suspension to these tensions, it has undoubtedly contributed to the unease among Indian students who have long seen Canada as a top destination for higher education.
The suspension of the SDS program and the implementation of stricter immigration policies have sparked debate about Canada's future as an international education hub. While Canada's commitment to diversity and its strong academic reputation remain intact, the new measures signal a shift in its approach to managing the influx of international students. The impact of these changes on the Indian student community remains to be seen, but it is likely to influence the future of Indian students' aspirations to study in Canada.
Source: Why Canada suspended its popular student visa programme and its effects on Indian applicants