Canada Ends Popular Student Visa Program: What This Means for Indian Students
Canada Ends Popular Student Visa Program: In a significant policy shift, Canada has ended its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, affecting thousands of aspiring international students, particularly from India. The move is part of Canada’s efforts to address its ongoing housing crisis, resource strain, and rising living costs, signaling a more restrictive approach to immigration. Here’s what students need to know about this policy change and its potential impact on future study plans.
What is the Student Direct Stream Program?
Launched by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2018, the SDS program was designed to speed up the study permit application process for international students from 14 countries, including major source countries like India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. By providing a more streamlined visa process, SDS quickly became a favored route, offering higher approval rates and faster processing times compared to the regular study permit stream.
Why Canada is Discontinuing SDS
The Canadian government’s decision to terminate the SDS program follows growing challenges within the country, including severe housing shortages, high living costs, and healthcare strains. According to the IRCC, discontinuing SDS will help “strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and ensure equal access for all applicants.” The policy aims to manage Canada’s capacity for new residents amid mounting pressure on local resources.
Application Cut-off Dates and Future Visa Processing
International students who submitted applications under the SDS program before the cut-off—2 p.m. ET on November 8—will still have their applications processed under the expedited SDS guidelines. However, any applications filed after this deadline will now be handled through Canada’s standard study permit process, which can take significantly longer.
Impact on Indian Students
Indian students, who make up a large portion of Canada’s international student body, will likely feel the impact of this change most acutely. Without the streamlined benefits of the SDS, students will face lengthier processing times and potentially higher application scrutiny. This change could influence students’ decisions, as delays in permit approvals could affect study plans and financial commitments.
Canada’s Changing Stance on Immigration
This shift reflects a broader policy change as Canada considers reducing its immigration intake for the first time in years. Although the country has a longstanding reputation for welcoming immigrants, concerns over housing affordability, public resources, and healthcare capacity are driving a reassessment of immigration targets. Public sentiment on immigration has also shifted, with polls indicating a growing belief that Canada’s current immigration levels are unsustainable.
Political Context and Public Debate
The issue has become central to Canadian political discourse as the country heads toward a federal election by October 2025. Immigration policy is expected to be a major point of contention, with more Canadians voicing concerns about population growth and resource management.
