Canada Ends Fast-Track SDS Visa Scheme

In what has sparked considerable shock waves in the community from India, Canada announced it would end its Fast-Track Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program. This will be the latest in the country’s new immigration policies that will likely touch thousands of Indian students planning to set out on their educational sojourns in this country. In this blog post, we talk of what the SDS visa was, what led Canada to end it, and how this impacts those students who banked on this expedited process.

*What Was the SDS Visa Scheme?

The SDS, or Student Direct Stream, is the Canadian government’s new visa program established in 2018.

The standard set of conditions that applicants of the SDS program were required to meet include:

1. Language Proficiency Test: There existed a minimum score issued in English proficiency tests such as IELTS.
2. Sufficient Funds Proof: It became essential to demonstrate sufficient funds to raise the tuition, maintain living costs and other associated fees.
3. Medical Insurance: The other aspect became that a student must furnish proof of health insurance during his stay in Canada.
4. Education and Academic History: Unblemished academic history and intake to a DLI was equally imperative.

The SDS had one more advantage: it processed very quickly.

Why Did Canada Get Rid of the SDS Visa Program?

Although the country had been increasing the intake of international students, the government ensured that it remained on course with the outstanding demand for higher education in the country.

One major impetus behind the shift is growing anxiety over a backlog in applications. The fast-track processing system, although highly effective for some elements, encouraged an exponential growth of fraudulent applications and cases wherein students did not qualify. Such factors caused added pressures on Canadian immigration resources and delayed the actual process of visas for rightful applicants.

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In addition, the Canadian government has outlined strict demands for a better balanced approach towards making efforts in student immigration. They strive to improve a system that could ensure the integrity of the visa process while accommodating the increasingly high volume of international applicants.

Impact on Indian Students:

The end of the SDS visa scheme is likely to be most felt by Indian students as India has been one of the largest sources of international students going to Canada. SDS allowed Indian applicants to get their visas quicker, though reduced the visa processing time of others generally, so in broad terms, it was a fine option for early starters.

Now that the program is over, students would have to rely on the regular process for a study permit, which is slower and more complex. This will mean longer waits and lesser certainty for acceptance.

What Are Indian Students’ Alternatives?

There are still other avenues through which Indian students can apply for Canadian study permits. They can go through the usual process; this would undoubtedly require extra paperwork but also, for sure, get them a longer wait time.

Here are some alternative steps Indian students can take:

1. Regular Study Permit Route: Applying through the regular route takes a longer processing time, but as long as a student is eligible under general requirements, one will get through. Ensure that all supporting documents are complete and accurate to avoid delay.
2. Other Visa Streams: More so than any other source, Canada offers other visa programs for international students. Most prominent is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), intended for those who want to work in Canada after graduation. Interested students should check them out as alternative options to the SDS.
3. School Improvement: Without the SDS, students will have to prepare more. Healthy academic excellence, good financial resources, and evidence of language proficiency would be the hallmarks.
4. Keep an eye on immigration changes: Immigration rules can change overnight. Students must be aware of all changes in Canada’s immigration system. Seeking advice from educational consultants or immigration lawyers would be helpful.

Challenges Indian Students Face

Among these, elimination of the SDS visa program has had a significant impact on the following issues for Indian students:

1. Longer processing period: Students would see a much longer waiting time before decisions are made on visa applications.
2. More Paper Work: The application process may become more paper-work intensive and with greater scrutiny involved since SDS is coming to an end. For some of the students, this is going to be hard especially those who face difficulties with paperwork.
3. Increased Rejections: In case students do not meet the standard requirements, higher rejection rates are experienced.
4. Uncertainty Over Plans for Studies: Most students make plans for long-term higher education abroad. This uncertainty grows in terms of accommodation, scholarships or Canadian job opportunities due to the delay in obtaining a visa.

What’s Next for Indian Students?

The cuts to the SDS visa scheme may look like a step back, but Canada remains a favorite destination for international students. Indian students will remain eligible for study permits, even if they have to be prepared for the changes that have been introduced into the application process.

Students should:
To increase chances of getting approved:

1. Apply Early: Apply sufficiently in advance for any potential delays.
2. Contact experts to deal with Canadian student visas so that the processing goes smoothly.
3. Strengthen applications by producing accuracy, completeness, and a genuine intent to study in Canada.

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