Canada has stopped its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program for international students to help deal with problems related to housing and resources. Launched in 2018, the SDS program made it easier and faster for students to get study permits. Now, students will need to use the regular process for study permits.
On November 8, Canada announced the end of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program for international students. This decision was made in response to ongoing challenges related to housing shortages and resource limitations. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) originally launched the SDS program in 2018 to speed up study permit approvals for students from certain countries.
The SDS program was designed to make it easier for students from 14 specific countries, including India, China, Brazil, Pakistan, and the Philippines, to obtain study permits. Other countries on the list were Antigua and Barbuda, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Peru, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
The Canadian government stated that the decision to end the SDS program was made to “strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and ensure equal and fair access for all students.” The official website noted that Canada aims to provide the same opportunities to all international students when applying for study permits. Applications submitted by 2:00 pm ET on November 8 will still be processed under the SDS. However, any applications received after this time will go through the regular study permit process.
The notice also clarified that students from the 14 countries previously covered under the SDS will still be eligible to apply for study permits under the general process, provided they meet all the necessary requirements. This policy shift applies to all students who want to study in Canada and meet the application criteria set by the government.
What Does Ending the SDS Mean for Students?
The SDS program was known for faster visa processing and higher approval rates. With its removal, students from the affected countries, including India, will now face longer and more complex visa application procedures.
This significant policy change is part of Canada’s effort to manage the number of immigrants entering the country amid economic difficulties, including an overburdened healthcare system, rising living costs, and a severe housing shortage.
The discontinuation of the SDS marks the first major adjustment to student visa policies in years and signals a shift towards more balanced immigration management. Students planning to study in Canada will need to prepare for potentially longer wait times and stricter requirements as they move through the standard visa application process.
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