Explainer: Canada discontinues Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2024-11-09 08:05 GMT
Canada on Friday decided to discontinue its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, effective November 8, 2024, due to increasing pressures from housing and resource challenges. Here’s what this means for international students:
- 1.What was SDS?
The SDS was launched in 2018 to expedite study permit applications for students from 14 countries, including India, China, Brazil, and others. It allowed quicker processing and higher approval rates for applicants. - 2.Why was it discontinued?
The Canadian government explained that the decision aims to "strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and ensure equal access for all applicants." With the country facing a housing crisis and limited resources, this move seeks to regulate the number of incoming students more effectively. - 3.What happens now?
Applications received before 2 pm ET on November 8, 2024, will still be processed under the SDS stream. Applications received after this date will follow the regular study permit process, which may have longer processing times and lower approval rates. - 4.Impact on Indian Students
India, which has been a major contributor to international student numbers in Canada, will feel the impact of the change. Indian students, who frequently benefited from the faster SDS processing, will now face the regular study permit route, potentially facing delays. - 5.Canada’s Shift in Immigration Policy
In addition to discontinuing the SDS program, Canada is also planning to reduce the number of immigrants it admits in the coming years. This marks a significant policy shift, likely driven by domestic challenges like overcrowded cities and limited resources.