Indian students to get faster visas to study in Canada
Students from India and three other countries will get faster visas to study in Canada as it has introduced major changes in visa procedures to reduce the processing time, according to Canadian immigration authority. The move comes at a time when the UK's government has decided to exclude Indian students from easier visa norms. According to official figures, over 100,000 Indians study in Canada.
IRCC promotes Canada as a students' choice for quality education
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it is making great strides in promoting Canada as a destination of choice for international students seeking a quality education by finding efficient ways to process applications. To support the growth in study permit applications, the IRCC announced the Student Direct Stream (SDS) under which students from China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines will benefit.
What are the requirements to qualify for SDS?
To qualify for the SDS, applicants need to meet additional requirements, like higher language level skills and financial resources. Students who don't have all the additional information can apply through the regular study permit application process, either online or at a Visa Application Center. Reportedly, the new program will cut down the processing time for student visas to 45 days from 60 days.
India, Canada signed MoU in 2010 in education field
"The SDS complements Express Entry system as these students will be well placed to continue on the path to permanent residence and Canadian citizenship after completing their studies in Canada if they wish to," IRCC said. An MoU between India and Canada signed in June 2010 covers areas like student and faculty exchange, research and curriculum development, and facilitating mutual recognition of educational qualifications.
