India Canada Relations : In an unprecedented statement during Diwali celebrations at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged that pro-Khalistani elements exist within Canada, emphasizing that these individuals do not represent the broader Sikh community. His statement comes amid escalating diplomatic strains between India and Canada, which were heightened after Canadian officials accused Indian agents of involvement in criminal activities in Canada. These allegations followed the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.
Trudeau Acknowledges Presence of Pro-Khalistani Elements in Canada
Canada officially announced the discontinuation of its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program for international students. Launched in 2018, the SDS was designed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to expedite study permit applications from select countries. However, faced with housing and resource challenges, Canada has decided to end the program to ensure fair access and reduce vulnerabilities for all international students.
Canada Halts Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa Program Amid Housing Crisis
The SDS program, offering faster processing times and higher approval rates, focused on students from 14 countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. As of the November 8 deadline, applications will now fall under the regular, slower study permit stream.
Change Means Longer Visa Processing for International Students from 14 Countries
According to Canada’s official statement, the shift is intended to “strengthen program integrity” and create equal opportunity in the visa application process. Applications received before the 2:00 p.m. ET cut-off will still be processed under the SDS framework, while those submitted afterward will go through standard procedures.
For students from affected countries, this policy change could mean longer wait times and more rigorous application requirements for Canadian study permits, though overall eligibility remains unaffected.
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