Canada scrapping SDS visa to benefit Indian students, says India. Here’s why

The Canadian government officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme on November 8, which had allowed Indian students to fast-track their study permit applications. The Indian government, however, said the scrapping of the SDS programme would benefit Indian students planning to study in Canada.
According to estimates, 60% of the approximately 400,000 Indian students planning to study in Canada in 2023 applied through the SDS. Indian students had over 70% approval rates under SDS, compared to just 10% via the regular route.
The issue of scrapping of SDS visa programme was taken up by Lok Sabha MP Hibi George Eden. The MP from Kerala asked about the potential challenges Indian students might face due to the programme’s scrapping.
Replying to Eden, Kirti Vardhan Singh, junior minister in the External Affairs Ministry, said that the end of the SDS programme would benefit Indian students by making the admission process more affordable.
The minister emphasised that the changes would help students, particularly those who had struggled to meet the higher financial requirements of the SDS programme.
To qualify, students needed to pay one year’s tuition fees upfront, submit a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635, and meet specific language proficiency requirements.
With the cancellation of the SDS programme, all international students, including those from India, will now need to apply for regular study permits, which is more affordable.
“Under the regular route, students are no longer required to pay the full one-year tuition fee upfront, but only for six months and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses. This makes the admission process more affordable for students, particularly those who were previously unable to meet the more costly SDS requirements,” the minister said.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 427,000 Indian students are currently enroled at Canadian universities and colleges, making India its largest source of international students.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, launched in 2018, was designed to help international students, including those from India, expedite their study permit applications.
Singh explained that the Canadian government’s decision aimed to strengthen the integrity of the programme, address student vulnerability, and ensure equal access for all students.
“All issues facing Indian students in Canada are regularly discussed and raised with Canadian authorities. The government of India places high emphasis on the well-being of Indian students pursuing education in Canada,” Singh added.