Canada has officially ended its fast-track study visa program, the Student Direct Stream (SDS), effective immediately. The SDS, which expedited student application processing and offered higher approval rates, will no longer provide these benefits. This decision marks a significant policy change, especially for international students, including those from India, who benefitted from the program.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously indicated in September that Canada would reduce international student permits by 35% this year, with further cuts expected next year. He cited the need to address issues related to the abuse of the system by some “bad actors” and emphasized that while immigration benefits Canada’s economy, the system must be safeguarded.
The SDS program, launched in 2018, allowed post-secondary students from select countries, including India, China, and the Philippines, to have their study permits processed more quickly. However, with the program’s termination, applications will now be processed through the regular study permit stream, which could take up to eight weeks, as opposed to the previous 20-day turnaround under SDS.
In addition to the SDS program, Canada’s Nigeria Student Express (NSE) initiative has also been discontinued. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assured that the country remains committed to providing equal access to study permits, despite the policy changes. Students can still apply through the regular process, though financial support will need to be demonstrated through Guaranteed Investment Certificates.
This move comes amid strained relations between India and Canada, with India being Canada’s largest source of foreign students. Alongside these changes, Canada has also reduced its immigration targets for low-skilled workers, with a nearly 20% decrease in the number of permanent residents to be admitted in 2025, compared to this year’s figures.