Some international students from India can now have their study permit applications "fast-tracked" through Canadian visa offices in New Delhi. This program applies to students who have been accepted for study at designated publicly-funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta. Qualifying applications that normally take up to four months to process will now be processed within 28 days. This pilot project will be in effect from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2006.

In addition, international students who graduate from a publicly-funded post secondary institution in Alberta will receive a two-year work permit without the need for further government approvals (normally students may only work for one year after graduation). This pilot project will be in effect until December 31, 2006.

Further details are available in English at www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0341-pre.html