Canada ends fast-track visa programme for international students, Indians to be affected
The Hindu
Canada closes Student Direct Stream (SDS) for fair access, requiring all international students to apply through regular study permit stream.
Canada has closed the “The Student Direct Stream (SDS) ‘’, a faster Visa application process that helped international students secure visas quickly. A statement issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on Friday (November 8, 2024) stated they have taken this step to provide fair and equal access to all foreign students to the application process for study permits.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam could access this Visa programme.
The Canadian government justified the closure of the programmes stating their goal is to strengthen integrity and address student vulnerability.
The statement added that all eligible SDS applications received before 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, will be processed under these streams, but study permit applications submitted on or after this time will be processed under the regular study permit stream. From now on, students need to apply through the regular study permit stream, which accepts Guaranteed Investment Certificates as proof of financial support.
The study permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. But the study permits require the student to submit provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study.
Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship website has mentioned that if anyone applies without a PAL/TAL, their application will be returned with fees.
The statement assured that these new changes wouldn’t create any hurdles for those who wish to apply for a study permit but has clearly mentioned that the students now need to fulfil Canada’s study permit application requirements.
Harvard professor Carlos Portugal Gouvea arrested for discharging a pellet gun near a synagogue; agrees to leave the U.S.
Macron cautioned Zelenskyy that the U.S. might pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions to Russia without security guarantees.
A Canadian national was arrested at the Indo-Nepal border for using a fake immigration stamp on his passport.
Appeals court permits Trump to maintain National Guard deployment in D.C., reversing a lower court's order to withdraw troops.
Iraq retracts its terror designation of Hezbollah and Houthis, citing an error amid regional political pressures and public backlash.
U.S. military strikes drug boats amid scrutiny over legality and rising casualties, prompting investigations and conflicting congressional testimonies.
Indian envoy Santosh Jha meets Sri Lanka’s Housing Minister to discuss reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah's devastating impact.
The U.S. and Kenya sign a $2.5 billion health deal, marking the start of "America First" global health agreements.
Explore the resilience and daily realities of Ukrainians enduring relentless warfare in a country forever changed by conflict.
Trump's envoys engage with Ukraine amid eased sanctions on Russia, seeking to advance peace negotiations following recent talks with Putin.
Explore China's rural revitalization efforts, showcasing poverty alleviation, local spirit, and sustainable development in its diverse landscapes.
UN Security Council delegates visit Syria for the first time since 1945, aiming to build trust and support national reconciliation.
U.S. reduces work permit validity for refugees and asylum seekers to 18 months, citing public safety concerns following recent violence.