Canada SDS visa cancellation has sent ripples in the Indian student community, as the program was one of the prime pathways for many through the accelerated study permit. The Indian government, however, has ensured students that this may prove to be an even cheaper and easier process of getting admission.
Understanding the SDS Program
The SDS program was initiated in 2018, where students could accelerate their study permit application. The eligibility criteria were quite specific: the students needed to pay one year’s tuition fees upfront, hold a Guaranteed Investment Certificate worth $20,635, and show language proficiency. This again created a financial burden on most of the students.
On 8 November 2024, Canada canceled the SDS. In response, junior external affairs minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said that decision supports Canada’s objectives to strengthen immigration programs in the country and address vulnerabilities through enhancing integrity for the program’s participants. Further, he emphasized that it creates equity among the process for international students with equal opportunities of getting admission into the different studies.
Move Towards Regular Study Visa
All the international students who benefited from SDS will now be needed to apply for the standard study permit. The regular process, however is not financially demanding. From what used to be a requirement for payment of one year tuition, a student is required to pay only six months at present. Moreover, they should be able to prove that they have enough money to support themselves during their stay, making it easier for most students to apply.
This change is a welcome relief to those who initially found the SDS requirements too difficult. The Indian government has also stated that this will reduce the burden of costs on students and increase the number of applicants for Canada studies.
Indian Government Commitment
There are, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, around 427,000 Indian students studying at present in Canadian colleges and universities. The Indian government continues to make efforts to address the problems being faced by these students and maintains interaction with the authorities in Canada in that respect on an ongoing basis. The issue still revolves around support and counseling for the students studying in India but abroad.
Conclusion
While cancellation is a setback for Canada’s SDS visa program, it equally provides an opportunity for Indian students to pursue their academic dreams in Canada at a more affordable cost. It shifts the doors open for many young people who previously felt excluded from the Canadian educational system due to financial constraints. As the international education landscape continues to change, students are advised to stay abreast of these changes and discover new opportunities that come their way.
