The Canadian government has officially terminated the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a fast-track visa application process that facilitated quicker study permit approvals for international students, particularly those from India and other select countries.
This significant policy shift was announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on November 8, 2024, and is expected to have widespread implications for prospective students.
Overview of the Student Direct Stream
Introduced in 2018, the SDS aimed to expedite the study permit process for students from 14 countries, including India, China, and Brazil.
The program allowed eligible applicants to receive their study permits within approximately 20 business days, significantly faster than the standard processing time, which could extend to eight weeks or more.
To qualify for the SDS, students were required to provide proof of financial support through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) and meet specific language proficiency standards.
Reasons for Closure
The decision to discontinue the SDS is part of a broader strategy by the Canadian government to enhance program integrity and address concerns regarding student vulnerability within the immigration system.
In an official statement, the IRCC emphasized that this move aims to provide all international students with equal access to the study permit application process and ensure a positive academic experience.
The government noted that it is committed to maintaining a fair immigration system while managing the pressures on housing and public services associated with rising international student populations.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously indicated a tightening of immigration policies, stating that Canada would reduce the number of international student permits by 35% this year and by another 10% in the following year.
This reflects a growing concern about potential abuses of the system by “bad actors” who exploit student visas for non-academic purposes.
Impact on International Students
The closure of the SDS is likely to have a profound impact on many aspiring students from India, who constitute one of the largest groups of international students in Canada.
As per recent statistics, approximately 427,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Canadian institutions.
The termination of this fast-track program means that these students will now face longer wait times for visa approvals and increased documentation requirements under the regular study permit stream.
Furthermore, students will need to provide additional financial documentation and secure provincial or territorial attestation letters as part of their applications. This shift may deter some prospective students from applying or complicate their plans to study in Canada.
Future Prospects
Despite these changes, Canada continues to express its commitment to welcoming international students. The IRCC has reassured applicants that they can still apply through the regular study permit stream, which remains open to all eligible candidates.
However, with stricter eligibility criteria and longer processing times anticipated, prospective students are advised to begin their visa planning much earlier than before.
In addition to changes in the SDS, other immigration policies affecting international students are also being revised. These include stricter requirements for work permits for spouses of international students and modifications to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program aimed at aligning with Canada’s labor market needs.
As Canada navigates these policy adjustments amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions with India, it remains crucial for prospective international students to stay informed about evolving immigration regulations and prepare accordingly for their educational journeys in Canada.
