Canada Scraps SDS Visa Programme to Benefit Indian Students
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The Canadian government has officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, which allowed Indian students to fast-track their study permit applications. The decision, announced on 8 November, is expected to benefit Indian students by making the application process more affordable.
Under the SDS, Indian students had a significantly higher approval rate of 70%, compared to just 10% through the regular study permit route. However, the Indian government has stated that scrapping the programme will ultimately benefit students.
Kirti Vardhan Singh, Junior Minister in the External Affairs Ministry, explained that the end of the SDS programme would reduce the financial burden on Indian students. Previously, students had to pay one year’s tuition fees upfront, provide a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635, and meet higher language proficiency standards. With the SDS programme discontinued, students will now only need to pay for six months of tuition and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses, making the process more affordable.
The move is expected to positively impact Indian students planning to study in Canada, especially those who previously struggled with the higher financial requirements of the SDS. Approximately 427,000 Indian students are currently enrolled at Canadian universities, making India the largest source of international students in the country.
The SDS programme, launched in 2018, was designed to streamline the visa process for international students. Nonetheless, the Canadian government’s decision to scrap it aims to strengthen the programme’s integrity, ensure equal access, and address student vulnerabilities. The Indian government has assured that the well-being of its students in Canada remains a top priority.
Source: SHIKSHA
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