Canada ends Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program
In a significant setback for international students, Canada has closed its Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme, effective immediately. The move ends the fast-track study permit process that had helped thousands of students secure visas.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that the decision aims to "strengthen programme integrity, address student vulnerability, and ensure fair access to the application process." As a result, all study permit applications will now go through the standard process.
Launched in 2018, SDS streamlined visa applications for students from 14 countries, including China, India, Brazil, Colombia, and Pakistan. Applicants who met language and financial requirements, along with an acceptance letter from a Canadian institution, enjoyed faster processing times and higher approval rates.
Under SDS, approval rates were close to 95%, with processing times reduced to about four weeks. In contrast, the standard process can take several weeks, especially for applicants from India.
The cancellation of SDS highlights Canada’s efforts to manage its growing foreign student population amidst challenges like housing and resource shortages. As part of its 2024 policy revisions, Canada has set a cap of 437,000 new study permits for 2025, encompassing all education levels.