This Canada fast-track visa pause has added urgency to existing challenges that have impacted its appeal as a leading destination for Indian students for higher studies-an important gateway now left in limbo due to delays in the government’s decisions. Added to these is the housing crisis and a tight job market where alternatives like the US, UK, Germany, and Australia become more attractive.
The Impact of the SDS Visa Pause
The SDS visa program has been a cornerstone for Indian students who plan to go to Canada and study. But this program was stopped suddenly, leaving many students in the lurch. Earlier, it used to take 20-45 days for processing through the SDS route, whereas currently, through the regular non-SDS route, the processing time is being stretched from 60-90 days to even more.
Rippling effects include delayed enrollments, missed program deadlines, and increased anxiety for both the student and the student’s family. The non-SDS process nowadays, for those who applied after November 8, 2023, for January and May 2025 intakes, means shifting into a slower process on top of an already complicated scenario.
Options beyond Study Abroad: Alternative Study Destinations
Many students are actively looking at alternative destinations, with Canada’s slowdown in visa processing creating much interest in the US, UK, Germany, France, and Australia.
According to IDP Education’s Piyush Kumar, Canada’s market share among Indians declined by 30% in 2023.
Here's a snapshot of what these destinations offer:
1. United States: Universities are well-established and more forthcoming in support for international students.
Availability of vast funding opportunities in the form of scholarships and assistantships.
2. United Kingdom:
post-study work visas and shorter program lengths (master’s one year).
Growing Indian student market with cultural connection.
3. Germany:
Low cost with many tuition-free programs
Strong STEM orientation with excellent postgraduate job opportunities.
Challenges in Canada's Higher Education Landscape
Other than delayed issuance of visas, poor diplomatic relations between India and Canada, a growing housing crisis, and fewer job opportunities are pulling Canada further away. Only recently, students who receive an admission letter have to face very expensive flight and accommodation costs as they book it at the last moment.
Step-by-Step Journey Further
Study planning is thus more critical than ever for Indian students who are intent on pursuing their Canadian dreams. Applications submitted by students under the non-SDS route need to be submitted 4-6 weeks earlier than previous years to allow for the more extended processing periods. Another necessary component in this phase is education consultants who understand how to navigate the changing landscape.
On the other hand, urging opportunities and friendly policies from other countries might alter the aspirations of Indian students towards other destinations.
Conclusion
The slowdown on fast-track visas has definitely rattled Canada’s status as the most-preferred destination for Indian students. Along with challenges ranging from economic to political, this opens doors to countries such as the US, UK, and Germany to absorb the incoming talent. Meanwhile, while Canada grapples with its inner problems, Indian students turn a page as they seek less-strained pathways to their educational dreams.
