With the Canadian government officially ending the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, thousands of international students, including Indian, who planned to study in the country have been adversely impacted. 

The popular program, which simplified the study permit process for students from countries such as India, China, Pakistan, and Brazil, was terminated abruptly at 2 PM on November 8 (local time). Additionally, the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program for Nigerian students has also been discontinued. 

Applications submitted before the deadline will still be processed under SDS and NSE.

End of a Fast-Track System

Launched in 2018, the SDS was designed to expedite study permit applications for eligible post-secondary students and was extended to residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, and several other countries. 

In a statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) noted that the government remains "committed to giving all international students equal and fair access to the application process for study permits."

The IRCC emphasized that this change aims to bolster the integrity of the application system, mitigate vulnerabilities among students, and ensure a positive academic experience. 

"Canada's goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process," the IRCC said.

Shift to regular study permit process

Following the termination of the SDS program, future international students will need to apply through Canada's standard study permit procedures. This change includes the requirement of a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) for studying at designated learning institutions (DLIs). The IRCC assured that this transition will not adversely impact international students.

The timing of Canada's decision

The decision comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. Canada has accused India of involvement in the killing of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist designated by India. New Delhi has strongly denied these claims, calling them “absurd” and “motivated.”

In a recent development, Ottawa identified Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and five other diplomats as “persons of interest” in connection with the case, prompting India to recall the officials and express strong objections.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized Canada for allegedly providing space to individuals linked to organized crime, despite warnings from New Delhi. On May 5, Jaishankar accused the Canadian government of offering legitimacy to “extremism, separatism, and advocates of violence” under the guise of free speech.

Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller, in response, defended Canada's approach and countered Jaishankar’s claims. "We are not lax. And the Indian foreign minister is entitled to his opinion. I am going to let him speak his mind. It is just not accurate," Miller said during a broadcast on the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC).

ANI