Indian students looking to build a better future have always favoured Canada as their study-abroad destination. Canadian universities consistently rank among the best universities in the world, according to international academic rankings. Students from India who are keen to study in Canada, however, are concerned about recent diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Recent Changes in Canadian Visa Policies

The Canadian government has made a number of notable adjustments to its immigration and visa laws in recent years. Most significantly, the processing time for new study permits has been lowered to 60 days.

The application process for study permits for students from a few countries, including India, was streamlined in 2018 when Canada created the Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme. SDS candidates had to fulfil a number of eligibility standards, including language requirements and financial requirements.

A study permit is obtained through a multi-step process, and it's important to keep in mind that processing durations can differ significantly between nations. To guarantee that your permit is ready before the start of your chosen study time, meticulous planning is therefore required. There are some postsecondary programmes in Canada that accept students outside of the typical September, January, or May start dates.

Canada adopted measures during the COVID-19 epidemic to help international students who couldn't travel to Canada with their coursework and offered leniency regarding study visa application deadlines.

Canada added new support measures in 2020 for foreign students starting new online programmes in the fall. These steps were taken in an effort to allay Canadian educational institutions' worries about students signing up for courses and paying tuition without knowing when they would receive their study permits.

India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions

Numerous students from India and their parents are unsure due to the continuing diplomatic disagreement between India and Canada as well as the recent suspension of visa services by the Indian government. Students are confused by this unexpected development and are worried about both their safety overall and their ambitions to pursue further education in Canada.

Furthermore, it's critical to acknowledge that despite the strong and long-standing ties between the two countries, occasional diplomatic conflicts may still exist.

The temporary suspension of visa services may offer difficulties, but it's important to remain adaptable and consider other options if they become necessary.

Aspiring students should routinely check the official website of the Canadian government or consult with Canadian immigration officials to be informed about the most recent immigration laws. Students planning to study in Canada should be prepared for possible delays in the visa application process, especially for the forthcoming spring semester beginning in January 2024.

With an emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, Canada's immigration policies have proven their capacity to adjust to changing global dynamics. Looking ahead, Canada continues to be a promising location for people looking to further their education in order to build a better future.

It is advised that students think about scheduling their academic pursuits for the following autumn or autumn semester, which is set to begin in August 2024, depending on how the scenario develops.

FAQS

What exactly is Canada's Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme?

For students from a restricted group of nations, including India, the SDS programme is intended to simplify the application process for a study permit. It has strict prerequisites for qualifying, such as language ability and financial capability.

What should I do if my study permit processing is delayed?

It's crucial to be flexible in the event of delays and, if necessary, look into alternative plans. For advice, think about contacting the immigration authorities and your institution.