NEW DELHI, Nov 9: Amidst the ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Canada, Mr Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government has suspended its popular “Student Direct Stream” (SDS) programme ending a fast-track study permit process for international students after six years.
This is the second restrictions imposed on foreigners by the Canadian government after suspending long-term multiple entry visas for the visitors on Friday. The government initiative on SDS, which helped thousands of international students quickly secure visas for higher studies in Canada, is expected to have a severe impact on Indian students due to concerns over processing delays, who see Canada as a suitable hub for higher studies.
The Student Direct Stream was launched in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The scheme was introduced to simplify the visa application process for students from 14 countries, which included India.
Notably, the initiative benefitted thousands of Indian students who plan to move to Canada for studies every year given that they meet certain requirements. The specified requirements under the initiative, which a student had to fulfill were obtaining a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD 20,635 and English or French language test scores.
The process was quick, concise and streamlined to facilitate quick processing and obtaining travel and stay permits in a matter of weeks, which usually takes months. The Canadian government has not provided a detailed explanation as to why it ended the fast-track visa service. The move comes at a time when India and Canada’s ties are strained due to the Trudeau government blaming the Indian government agents for the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
(Manas Dasgupta)