Canada has introduced a faster and simpler visa processing mechanism for students from four Asian countries to promote the country as a destination of choice for international students.

Students from India, China, Vietnam and Philippines who demonstrate upfront that they have the requisite financial resources and language skills to succeed academically in Canada are eligible to opt for the newly introduced ‘Student Direct Stream’ (SDS) program.

"IRCC (immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) recognizes the tremendous economic, cultural and social benefits that international students bring to Canada. We are committed to improving client service for all applicants, including students, as we continue to find new and efficient ways to reduce processing times,"said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Similar programs have been in place in these 4 countries for a few years and IRCC said it is aligning them together into 1 program to ensure consistency.

IRCC is also working on expanding SDS to Africa and are looking at options in Kenya and Senegal. Expansion to Senegal would be in line with the department's focus to attract more French-speaking students to Canada.

To qualify for SDS, applicants need to meet additional requirements, in particular language levels that are stricter than regular study permit requirements. Students who do not have all of the additional information required for SDS can apply through the regular study permit application process, either online or at a Visa Application Centre.

The SDS complements the 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.

The success of the SDS program will be evaluated with the intention to expand the program in 2019.

The announcement coincides with the UK’s government decision to exclude Indian students from easier visa norms. Given the growing protectionism in UK and USA, the number of Indian students opting for Canada is steadily growing. Indian students obtained 83,410 study permits during 2017, a rise of 58% over the previous year, Indian media said.

Earlier, including during 2015 and 2016, Chinese students were the largest class of international students to be allotted the study permits. India topped this list in 2017, with its students garnering 26% of the total study permits issued in that year, with China following closely behind.

The trend of Indian students being the largest class of international students is more pronounced during the period January to April 2018, with 29,000 odd Indian students obtaining the study permits as opposed to 16,925 from China.

According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, there were 494,525 international students in Canada, as of December 31, 2017.

The top three fastest-growing countries of origin from 2016-2017 were: Vietnam (+89%); India (+63%) and Iran (+45%).

China remains the top sending country overall representing 28% of inbound students followed by India having almost doubled with 25% and South Korea a distant third with 5%.

‘This number representing all levels of Canadian education clearly demonstrates the continuing attractiveness of Canada as a study destination,’ said Karen McBride, President and CEO of CBIE.

“Our research shows that international students choose Canada because of the quality of the Canadian education system and our reputation as a safe and tolerant country. This reputation is especially attractive now, given a changing global climate, and 95% of international students tell us they would recommend Canada to family and friends. Moreover, the strong focus of our member institutions across the country on effectively supporting international students is a hallmark of Canada’s approach, one that we continually strive to improve.”

Quick facts

Students applying for SDS must first be accepted at a Canadian learning institution that is designated to host international students. In addition, they must satisfy key criteria, such as submitting proof upfront of:

tuition payment for the first year of study at a designated learning institution in Canada,

purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000,

completion of an upfront medical examination,

a qualifying score of at least 6 for English (IELTS), or Niveaux de compétence Linguistique canadiens score of 7 for French (TEF), or graduation from a Canadian-curriculum high school.

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