Will the End of SDS Visa Derail Indian Students’ Canadian Dreams

Table of Contents☰

What’s in today’s article?

Introduction
What Was the SDS Visa?
Why Was the SDS Visa Discontinued?
Impact on Indian Students
Options for Indian Students

Introduction

The Canadian government recently discontinued the Study Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, a decision that significantly impacts Indian students, who represent one of the largest groups of international students in Canada.
The SDS visa, introduced in 2018, was designed to simplify the visa application process for students from select countries, including India.
With its removal in November 2024, Indian students now face longer processing times, higher fees, and a more complex visa application process.

What Was the SDS Visa?

The SDS visa program provided several benefits for eligible international students:
- Faster Processing: The program expedited study permit applications for students meeting specific criteria.
- Reduced Fees: Application fees were lower compared to the standard study visa.
- Simplified Documentation: Fewer supporting documents were required, making the process straightforward.
In 2022, over 189,000 Indian students applied through the SDS program, with an approval rate of 63%, compared to just 19% for non-SDS applicants.

Why Was the SDS Visa Discontinued?

The Canadian government cited several reasons for discontinuing the SDS program:
- Abuse of the System: Concerns arose that some applicants used the program to take low-value diploma courses as a pathway to permanent residency.
- Housing Crisis: The surge in international students strained Canada’s housing infrastructure, particularly in major cities.
- Resource Constraints: The influx of students increased pressure on public services like healthcare and transportation.
- Policy Shift: Canada is reassessing its immigration strategies to ensure fair access and program integrity.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated, “We’re granting 35% fewer international student permits this year, and next year, that number is going down by another 10%.”

Impact on Indian Students

The discontinuation of the SDS visa poses several challenges for Indian students:
- Longer Processing Times: Visa applications now take longer to process, disrupting academic plans.
- Higher Fees: Standard visa applications incur higher costs, adding financial strain.
- Complex Procedures: The regular visa process requires extensive documentation, such as proof of funds, language proficiency scores, and detailed study plans.
These changes may lead to delays in admissions, increased financial burdens, and uncertainty about future immigration opportunities, particularly for students aiming to transition to permanent residency.

Options for Indian Students

Despite the discontinuation of the SDS visa, Indian students can still apply for the regular Student Visa. To improve chances of approval:
- Plan Ahead: Start applications early to allow ample time for processing.
- Prepare Thorough Documentation: Ensure all required documents, including proof of funds and admission letters, are submitted accurately.
- Consult Experts: Seek guidance from immigration consultants to navigate the process.

Q1. Are Canada and the US connected by Land?

The Canada–United States land boundary is the longest in the world at 6,435 kilometers. It begins in the outlet of the Passamaquoddy Bay in the Atlantic Ocean and ends in the west where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean.