How Indian students can adapt to Canada new visa regulations

Canada continues to be one of the popular destinations for the Indian students who seek a quality international education, as it did when the recent visa closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Proper planning and guidance can help the students do well through the Regular Study Permit route, which makes financial accommodation more flexible and accessible.

Despite the recent closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS), Canada continues to be a leading destination for Indian students seeking quality education. Guided and properly planned, all students can thrive through the Regular Study Permit route, which provides better financial flexibility and accessibility.

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Canada has always held great prominence among Indian students intending to seek further studies abroad. The House of Commons session shared information from the Ministry of External Affairs that approximately 427,000 Indian students are studying in Canada. Quality education, affordable education, and attractive Post Study Work Rights leading to PR are among the main reasons why Canada attracts Indian students.

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Recent Policy Changes

The announcement stated that the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programs would be terminated at IRCC on 8th November 2024. Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream for study permit is also closed by IRCC. Therefore, all applications for study permits will be processed through the Regular Study Permit Stream.

How Useful was SDS?

The Canadian government started the SDS scheme in 2018 for students from 14 different countries, including India. This was to facilitate fast-track processing of visa applications under the scheme. However, SDS for Canada has required a few factors from a student that would eventually need an upfront investment at the time of making an application-ELT, living costs like GIC, and tuition fees.

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Impact of SDS removal on Indian students

• It may become essential for applicants to organize them and submit them in advance so as not to meet delays.
• The good news for students is that they will still be having that much-eased documentation option through the regular student visa route, and Indian students will still be able to take advantage of that much simpler process.
• True, the Regular Study Permit route ensures that one must meet only the simplified financial documentation requirement through GIC and offers much more flexibility in terms of tuition fees payment plans.
• Students do not need to pay into full-tuition
• Year upfront, but they have to submit proof of six months' tuition and evidence of funds for living expenses only.
• This makes the Regular Study Permit route even more financially viable toward a larger number of students who would struggle to meet the heft upfront financial requirement initially.
• Great variety for eligibility requirements of pose documents: Those students who commence their application after 8 November 2024 need not worry much because trained expert advisors will help the way in luring guidance regarding the Regular Study Permit processes. Students will have time to broad-opening the application process; however the impact on that is minimal since it is with real-time planning, counselling, and support of institutions and counsellors.

The cancellation of Canada's SDS visa programme has also been recently put into consideration among the other agenda in the Lok Sabha.

The Indian Government has assured that with this change, admission will be more affordable, especially for students who have had to make the tough choice on whether to meet the requirements associated with higher prices of the SDS in order to access education abroad.

Rest assured, it is not that the chances of students from India or other countries going through the Canadian educational institutions will be reduced. Moreover, diligent and expert-planned guidance would help aspiring students manage their applications successfully and continue pursuing their academic aspirations in Canada.

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Conclusion

Get clarity on Canada's changing visa regulations and look out for ways in which Indian students can still apply to Canadian institutions with ease. Get all your answers related to Canada student visas, popular programs, and careers in demand to start in Canada in 2025, and many more under one roof. Attend SIEC's International Education Fair 2025.

Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.

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