Canada has announced major visa changes for 2025, making it harder for international students, temporary workers, and residents to enter the country. These changes include a cap on study permits, the removal of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, and tougher post-study work visa rules. Since Indian students make up one of the largest international student groups in Canada, these new policies will require careful planning.
So, how do these changes affect Indian students? Will they impact your study and career goals in Canada? Let us break it down.
Stricter Immigration Rules: What’s New?
Canada’s updated Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations give immigration officers more power to reject or cancel study permits, work permits, and electronic travel authorizations (eTAs). Applications can now be denied for several reasons, including criminal history, previous visa overstay issues, or if officials believe an applicant won’t leave Canada after their visa expires.
For Indian students, this means more scrutiny on applications, longer visa processing times, and a higher chance of rejection without strong documentation. While Canada still welcomes international students, the process has become tougher. Without proper preparation, securing a visa may be more difficult than before.
End of SDS: What It Means for Indian Students
A big change is the end of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program in November 2024. SDS was a fast-track visa process for students from select countries, including India, allowing quicker approvals if they met financial criteria like paying tuition in advance and securing a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for living expenses. Now, all students must apply through the regular visa process, which means longer waiting times, more paperwork, and higher uncertainty about approval. If you were planning to use SDS for a quicker visa process, you will now need to adjust your timeline and prepare well in advance.
New Rules for Post-Study Work Visas
Canada has been a top choice for Indian students because of its smooth transition from education to employment. However, getting a post-study work visa is now harder. A mandatory language test is now required for graduates applying for a post-study work permit. Even though students are already tested on language skills for their study permits, this new test adds extra costs, preparation time, and stress for those planning to enter the workforce. On January 30, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it will now only accept the Pearson Test of English (PTE Core) for work permit applications.
On a positive note, Canada has increased the weekly work limit for international students from 20 to 24 hours. While this does not fully balance the new restrictions, it offers more financial flexibility for students managing expenses.
What Indian Students Should Do Next
With over 420,000 Indian students currently in Canada, these visa changes will affect many applicants. The removal of SDS, tougher visa scrutiny, and the new language test mean that students must prepare stronger applications than ever before. Does this mean Canada is no longer an option for Indian students? No! Canada still welcomes international students, but you now need to be better prepared, more adaptable, and ready with alternative plans.
Steering through visa policies, university applications, and career opportunities can feel overwhelming. However, EdNet is here to help! With over two decades of experience in global education, we provide personalized guidance to help you find the best-fit study destination.
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Is Canada still your top study destination? Yes, but careful planning is now more important than ever. Connect with EdNet today for expert advice on your study-abroad journey and make informed decisions for your future!
