Study Abroad: Know the recent changes to Indian student visa regulations by Canada

Canada has always been a popular destination for Indian students looking to better their lives and those of their families. According to the Times Higher Education and QS rankings, Canadian universities consistently rank among the top academic institutions in the world. However, the recent diplomatic rift between India and Canada has caused concern among Indian students who want to study in Canada.

The Canadian government has made numerous substantial adjustments to its visa laws and immigration programs in recent years. The majority of new study permits are now processed within the 60-day service requirement.

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Canada launched the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program in 2018, expediting the study visa application procedure for students from specified countries such as India, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. SDS candidates had to meet certain eligibility standards, including language competency and financial restrictions.

Obtaining a study permit entails several processes, and it's critical to understand that processing periods might vary greatly between countries. As a result, thorough planning is recommended to ensure that your permission is approved before the start of your chosen study time. The majority of post-secondary educational programs in Canada begin their studies in September, January, or May. It is worth noting, however, that certain programs have intakes outside of these usual dates.

It is crucial to proactively verify the start dates and application procedures for the schools and courses of interest well in advance, as foreign individuals cannot begin a study permit application without an acceptance letter from their preferred institution. This proactive strategy will give me enough time to get the acceptance letter and then finish the application for the study permit.

Covid effect

When the COVID-19 pandemic imposed travel bans across the globe, the government implemented policies to help international students who couldn't travel to Canada take classes online and offered leniency with study visa application deadlines. Canada implemented short-term steps to assist international students in 2021 in response to the epidemic, enabling students to count time spent studying online abroad towards their PGWP eligibility. This big improvement made it easier for international students to find employment in Canada once they graduate.

Additional support programs for overseas students who started new online programs in the fall were launched by Canada in 2020. These steps were taken to allay Canadian educational institutions' worries about students enrolling, paying for their courses, and beginning online studies before knowing whether or not they would acquire study permits.

These measures also included a two-stage temporary approval process for international students who were unable to furnish all of the required documentation for their applications but wanted to pursue distance learning programs. Applicants could count their online study time overseas towards their post-graduation work visa under this interim arrangement, provided they completed all requirements. However, before coming to Canada, they needed to complete the remaining forms and receive a fully approved study permit, especially because services were progressively reopened.

Aside from these steps, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) intends to implement a trusted institution framework in its student visa program by 2024. This framework is part of a larger initiative to reform IRCC's International Student Programme (ISP). While specifics are few, the framework intends to assess postsecondary schools based on criteria such as sustainable intake, finding genuine students, monitoring compliance, safety, and overall quality of the foreign student experience.

International students admitted to Canadian institutions must now be classified as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) by their respective provincial or territory governments. To apply for a study visa in Canada, international students must first get an admission letter from a DLI. The framework will also create a two-tiered structure for DLIs, with some designated as Trusted Institutions and others not.

India-Canada diplomatic row

However, the ongoing conflict between India and Canada due to diplomatic circumstances, as well as the Indian Government's recent suspension of visa services, has generated uncertainty for many students and their parents. Students are perplexed by this unexpected development, which raises questions about their educational plans in Canada as well as their overall safety.

It's crucial to remember that both countries have a long and strong connection, and diplomatic problems might arise at any time.

While the temporary suspension of visa services may offer difficulties, it is critical to remain adaptable and, if required, consider alternate solutions.

Aspiring students should keep up to date on the newest Canadian immigration laws by reading the official Government of Canada website regularly or getting advice from Canadian immigration officials. Students planning to study in Canada should expect visa processing delays, particularly during the following spring academic semester in January 2024. Canada's immigration policy has shown an ability to adapt to global dynamics by prioritizing diversity and inclusivity. Looking ahead, Canada remains a potential location for persons seeking a brighter future via quality education, remaining consistent in its commitment to welcoming newcomers from all around the world. Depending on how the situation develops, students should consider arranging their academic aspirations for the following autumn or autumn semester, which is scheduled to begin in August 2024.

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