Our Bureau
New Delhi
On November 8, 2024, Canada officially terminated its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, which had allowed Indian students to expedite their study permit applications. The Indian government has assured that this change will ultimately benefit students by making the admission process more affordable.
The SDS program, launched in 2018, required students to pay a full year’s tuition upfront and provide a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635. This financial burden made it challenging for many prospective students. In contrast, under the regular study permit route, students now only need to pay six months’ tuition in advance and demonstrate sufficient funds for living expenses, significantly lowering the financial threshold for applicants.
Junior External Affairs Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighted that over 60% of the approximately 400,000 Indian students planning to study in Canada in 2023 applied through the SDS program, which boasted an approval rate exceeding 70%. In comparison, the approval rate for standard applications was just 10%. Singh emphasized that the scrapping of the SDS program aims to enhance the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and ensure equitable access for all international students.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some express concern over potential challenges due to lower approval rates under the regular route, experts argue that the new process is more accessible for students who previously struggled with the higher costs associated with the SDS requirements. The Canadian government’s motivation includes addressing student vulnerabilities and providing a fairer application process for all.
Currently, India is Canada’s largest source of international students. The Ministry of External Affairs reports approximately 427,000 Indian students enrolled in Canadian institutions. The government remains committed to addressing issues faced by these students through ongoing discussions with Canadian authorities.
