August 12, 2018 – Since the introduction of the federal express entry system, studying in Canada has become an important stepping stone towards obtaining permanent residence in the country.
Canada’s decision to replace the Student Partnership Program with the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for Indian students with effect from June 2018 may prove to be a strategic masterstroke in the government’s attempt to attract more skilled workers to Canada.
Canada has always been a popular education destination for students from India and other Asian countries. Advantages of studying in Canada include access to top-notch quality in a welcoming environment at 30-40% lower cost than the USA. Now, the SDS shall open the doors to significantly higher numbers of students from India, China, Philippines, and Vietnam.
About Student Direct Stream (SDS)
Unlike the SPP, the SDS is not restricted to certain post-secondary educational institutions in Canada. Instead, students can now apply to any Designated Learning Institution, private or public, in Canada.
Other requirements of the program include:
- Application to study must have been accepted by an eligible post-secondary DLI.
- Payment of the tuition fee for the first year.
- Deposit $10,000 in an approved financial institution and must obtain a Guaranteed Investment Certificate.
- Successful completion of medical test.
- Minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS for English or 7 the Niveau de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens for French. Or, the applicant must have graduated from a high school with a Canadian curriculum.
Students meeting these requirements can receive faster-visa processing services not exceeding 45 days. Those not eligible for the SDS can apply for a regular study permit.
Strategic Impact of the Move
Those studying in Canada will receive additional points when applying for permanent residence through Express Entry. Subsequently, Canadian citizenship can be obtained in a shorter time frame.
The new program models the American strategy of attracting talented students from developing countries. It offers them access to quality education, attractive career prospects, as well as a faster route to permanent residence in Canada.
The SDS decision stands as an important development to benefit from the impact of policies in the USA under President Trump. The USA is already struggling to stem the steady decline in the number of Indian students seeking admission in American universities.
Canada’s decision to make it easier for students to acquire post-secondary degrees here. And it will offer excellent options to a growing number of foreign students unhappy with immigration policies in the USA.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
Read more news about Canada Immigration by clicking here.
