Chandigarh [India], November 11: Indian students are voicing concerns following Canada’s abrupt decision to end its fast-track Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, a move that affects thousands of aspiring students looking to study in Canada. The SDS program, which has been a preferred route for eligible students to quickly obtain study permits, was terminated on November 8, leaving many prospective students in uncertainty about their academic future.
For Chandigarh resident Seema Sharma, the decision is deeply unsettling. “I was planning to study in Canada, and now with the SDS program discontinued, it feels unfair. So many of us dream of studying abroad and building careers, but this decision could block those opportunities,” she said. Sharma also expressed frustration over potential political motives behind the move, saying, “Politics should not interfere with students’ futures.”
Visa counselor Rahul Arora shared similar concerns, noting that Canada’s decision could be a significant setback for Indian students’ ambitions. “This decision will definitely have a negative impact. The dreams these students have nurtured for years may be stalled. It’s an adverse move for students and both countries involved,” Arora commented.
Launched in 2018, the SDS program aimed to streamline the visa application process for students from select countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and Brazil. Through SDS, eligible students received expedited study permits, but now future applicants will have to apply through Canada’s regular study permit process, which requires additional documentation, such as a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) to enroll in designated learning institutions.
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) defended the move, stating it intends to “give all international students equal and fair access to the application process.” According to IRCC, this change aims to strengthen program integrity and address student vulnerabilities.
This development occurs amid rising diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, following allegations from Canada accusing India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. India has denied the allegations. The political climate adds another layer of complexity to Canada’s recent visa policy shift, which could have long-lasting effects on students’ aspirations and educational exchanges between the two nations.
