Canada has unexpectedly ended its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme, effective Friday, 8 November 2024, bringing a close to the fast-track study permit process that has helped thousands of international students quickly obtain visas.
Launched in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the SDS programme aimed to simplify the visa application process for students from 14 countries, including India, China, and the Philippines, who met specific criteria. Requirements included a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD 20,635 and minimum scores in either English or French language tests. The streamlined SDS process allowed eligible applicants to secure study permits in just a few weeks, compared to the standard processing time of around eight weeks for Indian applicants.
The termination of SDS reflects Canada’s growing efforts to manage its international student numbers amid pressures on housing and resources. As part of its 2024 policy revisions, the Canadian government has introduced a cap of 437,000 new study permits for 2025, covering all levels of education, including postgraduate studies.
Further changes aim to tighten entry and post-study work options. New measures include raising language and academic standards for students hoping to qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), limiting work permits for spouses of international students, and increasing financial proof requirements. These adjustments come as Canada seeks to balance the economic benefits of its international education sector—hosting a record 807,000 study permit holders in 2023—with the need to ease housing and service pressures.
With SDS no longer available, international students now face longer wait times and stricter eligibility criteria. Advisors recommend that students begin visa planning well in advance to navigate this new, more restrictive landscape.
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