Canada Ends Student Direct Stream Visa Program: What It Means for Indian Students and Immigrants
Canada Ends Student Direct Stream Visa Program: Canada has officially ended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program for international students, a move that affects applicants from India and 13 other countries. Originally launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2018, the SDS program aimed to expedite study permit applications from Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, and Vietnam. However, applications received after November 8, 2 pm ET will now be processed through Canada’s standard visa stream, marking a significant change for international students accustomed to quicker approvals under SDS.
Why Canada Discontinued SDS
The IRCC announced that ending the SDS program is part of a broader initiative to “strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and ensure fair access for all applicants.” The decision aligns with Canada’s shifting immigration policy, influenced by a resource and housing crisis affecting cities nationwide. With a growing population and a high demand for limited housing, Canada is looking to address these shortages by slowing immigration—a major pivot for a country that has been historically welcoming to newcomers.
The SDS program was particularly popular among Indian students, who formed one of the largest groups to benefit from the expedited processing times and higher approval rates. Now, students from these countries will likely face longer waiting periods and stricter reviews under the regular permit process, impacting their study plans and timelines.
Canada’s Changing Immigration Policies Amid Housing Concerns
Canada’s federal government has recently faced scrutiny over the rising cost of living, strained resources, and limited housing availability—issues that have become focal points in Canadian politics. For the first time in years, Canada’s leaders are considering a reduction in immigration levels, attributing some of these pressures to the high volume of newcomers. The SDS discontinuation is a clear indicator of this policy shift, as the government navigates growing public concerns about immigration’s role in rising housing and resource shortages.
While Canada’s reputation as a destination for international students and skilled immigrants remains strong, the recent changes signal a recalibration of immigration policy that may influence global student and migration flows for years to come.
