Business Desk 
Nov 09, 2024
Canada has announced the end of its Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme, which offers fast-track visa processing for international students.
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that this change, effective November 8, aims to strengthen "programme integrity, address student vulnerability, and ensure fair access for all applicants.”
Student Direct Stream programme
Launched in 2018, the SDS programme previously enabled students from 14 countries, including India, to get their study permits processed within four weeks, half the time of the regular stream.
The SDS also provided a simplified process for those meeting specific language, financial, and acceptance criteria, with a high approval rate of 95%.
With the SDS now closed, all student visa applications will be processed through the regular stream, potentially doubling the processing time for international students.
According to Globayan Immigration Corporation president Naresh Chavda, SDS was initially designed to attract students from India and China but later expanded. He notes that its closure may lead some students to consider alternative study destinations as Canada adjusts its international student policies.
IRCC implemented several key changes affecting international students. Since December 2023, Canadian learning institutions have been required to verify each applicant’s acceptance letter.
Starting in January 2024, students also had to provide financial proof of CA$20,635, a substantial increase from the previous CA$10,000 requirement.
Additionally, Canada set a study permit target of 437,000 for 2025, down from 485,000 in 2024, with plans to maintain this same target for 2026.
