“Canada Ends SDS Visa Program: What Students Need to Know”

0
Canada Ends SDS Visa Program What Students Need to Know
Spread the love

In November 2024, the Canadian government officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, a move that has significantly impacted international students. The SDS route, which allowed students from 14 countries, including India, to benefit from faster visa processing, is no longer available. This change has led to an increase in visa applications through the non-SDS route, which has comparatively lower financial requirements but comes with its challenges.

High Visa Rejection Rates Under Non-SDS

The visa rejection rate for non-SDS applications surged dramatically in November and December 2024, causing alarm among students and academic consultants. Reports indicate that rejection rates reached nearly 100% during this period. Tirath Singh, an official from Pinnacle Immigration, noted, “Due to the high rejection rates, we temporarily stopped accepting non-SDS student visa files. However, we resumed applications after reassessing the situation in late December.”

Longer Processing Times Add to Woes

According to Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the processing time for non-SDS student visa applications has increased significantly, ranging from four to nine weeks. This delay contrasts sharply with the streamlined SDS program, which processed applications in just 2-3 weeks. Before the SDS program’s introduction in 2018, the success rate for non-SDS applications was less than 20%, highlighting the challenges faced by students in this category.

SDS Program: A History of Success

Since its inception, the SDS program maintained high approval rates, often ranging between 60% and 90-100%. Its strict criteria, including the upfront payment of one year’s tuition fees and a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000, ensured financial stability for applicants. However, these stringent requirements also made the program inaccessible for many students.

Flexibility Under Non-SDS Route

The non-SDS route offers more flexibility, allowing students to pay only six months’ tuition fees and provide proof of funds as low as Rs 5-6 lakh for most colleges. While obtaining a GIC is optional under this route, students are encouraged to secure one to strengthen their applications. This financial leniency makes the non-SDS route an attractive option for students who cannot meet the SDS program’s rigorous requirements.

Advisory for Students Applying Through Non-SDS

To improve their chances of visa approval, students applying under the non-SDS category are advised to maintain a strong academic record. Good grades significantly enhance the likelihood of approval. Additionally, while paying one year’s tuition fees and securing a GIC are not mandatory, doing so can bolster the application and demonstrate financial preparedness.

Future Prospects for Non-SDS Processing

Experts predict that processing times for non-SDS applications may improve in the coming months as the system adjusts to the increased volume of applications. Students and academic consultants are hopeful that the Canadian government will implement measures to streamline the non-SDS process and address the concerns arising from the termination of the SDS program.

Impact on International Students

The end of the SDS program has created uncertainty among international students aspiring to study in Canada. The high rejection rates and longer processing times under the non-SDS route have added to their challenges. However, the flexibility offered by the non-SDS route provides an opportunity for students to pursue their dreams of studying in Canada, provided they meet the necessary academic and financial criteria.

Conclusion: Navigating the New Landscape

As Canada transitions away from the SDS program, students must adapt to the new visa application landscape. Maintaining strong academic performance, demonstrating financial stability, and following expert guidance are crucial for navigating the non-SDS route successfully. Despite the challenges, Canada remains a top destination for international students, and with the right preparation, students can achieve their academic goals.

Source link

Read this also.

“The Next 24 Hours Crucial for Gaza War Ceasefire”

 

“Anita Anand Withdraws from Canadian Prime Ministerial Race”

My Introduction.


Spread the love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *