Canadian PM Justin Trudeau
Relations between India and Canada have become quite strained. Amid the diplomatic standoff between the two countries, Justin Trudeau’s government has canceled its popular scheme Student Direct Stream (SDS). Due to this, the fast-track visa study permit process for international students has now ended.
Indian students may be affected
This initiative of the government has helped thousands of international students to get expedited visa for higher education in Canada. At the same time, now there is a possibility of serious impact on Indian students. Students who want to pursue higher education while staying in Canada are concerned about delays in the process.
What is Student Direct Stream?
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This scheme was launched to simplify the visa application process for students from 14 countries. India is also included in this.
These conditions also have to be fulfilled
This Canadian initiative has benefited thousands of Indian students who plan to go to Canada for studies every year. To pursue higher education in Canada, provided that certain conditions have to be fulfilled. Under this initiative, there are many important things which the student had to complete. This included a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth 20,635 Canadian dollars and a score on an English or French language test.
Why was the fast-track visa program ended?
The Canadian government has not given a detailed explanation as to why it ended the fast-track visa service, Hindustan Times reported. The move comes at a time when relations between India and Canada are strained after the Trudeau government blamed Indian government agents for the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, the Canadian administration said that the huge increase in applications from international students, especially from India, has put a lot of pressure on Canada’s immigration and processing systems.
What will be the impact on Indian students?
India has consistently been a major source of international students in Canada. Nearly 2 lakh Indian students received study permits in the year 2023, which is a large part of Canada’s international student community. However, Indian applicants without the fast-track program may now have to wait longer for their study permits. Which can now be a big blow for Indian students. Indian students now have to go through additional hurdles to secure their study permits on time.
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