Canada has historically been a favored destination for Indian students aspiring to create better prospects for themselves and their families. Renowned for its distinguished academic institutions, Canadian universities consistently rank among the world’s top establishments, according to the Times Higher Education and QS rankings. Nevertheless, the ongoing diplomatic disagreement between India and Canada has raised concerns among Indian students who have ambitions to study in Canada.
In recent years, the Canadian government has implemented significant alterations to its visa regulations and immigration programs. Most notably, the majority of new study permit applications are now being processed within a 60-day service standard.
In 2018, Canada introduced the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which streamlined the application process for study permits, benefiting students from select countries including India, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The SDS applicants had to meet specific eligibility criteria encompassing language proficiency and financial prerequisites.
It’s important to recognize that the process of obtaining a study permit comprises multiple stages, and it’s crucial to understand that processing times can significantly differ from one country to another. Consequently, meticulous planning is advisable to ensure that your permit is processed before your intended study period commences. Most post-secondary educational programs in Canada typically commence in September, January, or May, with some offering intakes beyond these traditional dates.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting global travel restrictions, the Canadian government introduced measures to facilitate online learning for international students who couldn’t physically travel to Canada. Furthermore, they provided flexibility concerning study permit application deadlines. In 2021, Canada initiated temporary measures to support international students, allowing them to count online study time abroad towards their eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP). This marked a significant adjustment, affording international students greater flexibility in working in Canada after graduation.
In 2020, additional measures were introduced to address concerns from Canadian institutions about students enrolling in online programs. These measures included a temporary two-stage approval process for international students who couldn’t provide all necessary documents initially but opted for distance learning programs. Under this process, applicants could count their online study time abroad towards their post-graduation work permit once they received initial approval, provided they met the requirements. Nonetheless, they were still required to submit the remaining documents and obtain full approval before traveling to Canada, especially as services gradually reopened.
Looking ahead, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plan to introduce a trusted institution framework into the student visa program by 2024. This framework is part of a broader strategy to modernize the International Student Program (ISP) under IRCC. While specific details are limited, the framework aims to evaluate post-secondary institutions based on criteria such as sustainable intake, identifying genuine students, compliance monitoring, safety, and the overall quality of the international student experience.
Presently, international students seeking admission to Canadian institutions must be associated with Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) approved by provincial or territorial governments. To apply for a study permit in Canada, international students need an acceptance letter from a DLI. The framework will introduce a two-tiered structure among DLIs, distinguishing some as Trusted Institutions and others as non-trusted.
Despite these progressive changes in Canada’s approach to international students, the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, along with India’s recent suspension of visa services, have left numerous students and their parents in a state of uncertainty. While these developments present challenges, it’s essential to remain adaptable and explore alternative plans if necessary.
Prospective students should stay informed about the latest Canadian immigration policies by regularly visiting the official Government of Canada website or seeking guidance from Canadian immigration authorities. Those intending to study in Canada should anticipate potential delays in visa processing, particularly for the upcoming spring academic session scheduled for January 2024. Canada’s immigration policies reflect adaptability to global dynamics, emphasizing diversity and inclusivity. Considering the situation’s progression, it’s advisable for students to contemplate planning their academic endeavors for the upcoming fall or autumn semester, slated for August 2024.