Canada Ends Student Direct Stream Program
The Canadian government has decided to end the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which was designed to simplify the study application process for international students. This decision, effective from November 8, affects many students from countries like India, China, and Brazil. The Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program has also been terminated. Applications submitted before the deadline will still be processed under the SDS and NSE.
Background of the SDS Program
Launched in 2018, the SDS program aimed to provide faster processing for eligible students from various countries, including India, China, and Pakistan. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that the government is committed to ensuring equal and fair access to study permits for all international students.
New Application Process
Future applicants will now need to follow Canada’s regular study permit process, which requires a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter to study at designated learning institutions. The IRCC assures that this change will not negatively impact international students.
Diplomatic Tensions with India
This decision comes amid rising tensions between Canada and India. Canada has accused India of involvement in the killing of a Khalistani terrorist, which India has denied. Diplomatic relations have been strained, with both countries recalling diplomats. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized Canada for allegedly supporting individuals with links to organized crime, a claim Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller refuted.
Doubts Revealed
Student Direct Stream (SDS) -: The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was a program by Canada to fast-track study permit applications for students from certain countries, including India. It made it quicker and easier for students to get permission to study in Canada.
Diplomatic Tensions -: Diplomatic tensions refer to disagreements or conflicts between two countries. In this case, Canada and India are having issues with each other, which is affecting their relationship.
Khalistani terrorist -: A Khalistani terrorist refers to someone involved in violent activities related to the Khalistan movement, which is a separatist movement seeking to create a separate Sikh state called Khalistan in India.
Recalled diplomats -: When countries have serious disagreements, they might call back their diplomats from the other country. This is a way to show that they are unhappy with each other and need to discuss the issues.
Nigeria Student Express (NSE) -: The Nigeria Student Express (NSE) was a program similar to the SDS, but it was specifically for students from Nigeria. It also aimed to make the process of getting a study permit faster and easier.