Canada Ends SDS Fast-Track Visa Scheme, Impacting Indian Students
In a significant development, Canada has discontinued its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, which previously provided a faster visa processing route for Indian students.
The decision to end this streamlined visa service, which was highly popular among Indian students for its efficiency and reduced processing time, is expected to impact thousands of students aspiring to study in Canada.
The SDS visa program had facilitated quicker access for students from India and select countries by offering simplified documentation and shorter wait times. The scheme’s termination means that Indian students will now face longer processing times and may encounter additional hurdles in their application process.
Implications for Indian Students
Canada has been a preferred destination for Indian students, who constitute a significant percentage of the country’s international student population. The removal of the SDS program is likely to affect the plans of many students, potentially leading them to consider other study-abroad destinations.
Industry experts suggest that the end of SDS may lead to delays in the processing of study permits and could impact the intake timelines for institutions across Canada.
