In a major shift aimed at strengthening the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, Ottawa has announced the immediate termination of the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a program that expedited the processing of study permits for international students.
The SDS, which was launched in 2018, was designed to speed up processing times for eligible students from 14 countries, including India. The initiative offered faster processing times and a nearly 95% approval rate for applicants. However, the Canadian government, through a notice from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), stated that the decision to scrap SDS, effective November 8, was driven by a need to address student vulnerability, ensure equal access for all applicants, and improve overall program integrity.
Under SDS, students who met certain criteria, such as language proficiency and financial stability, enjoyed faster processing times—often completing their applications in as little as four weeks compared to the typical wait time of eight weeks under the regular study permit process. With the program now discontinued, all future study permit applications will be processed through the regular stream.
Naresh Chavda, president of Globayan Immigration Corporation, expressed concern over the sudden closure of the program, noting that it had been especially beneficial for students from India and China. He speculated that the move could lead to a decline in interest from international students, with some potentially turning to other countries for their studies.
The termination of SDS comes on the heels of other measures affecting international students. In September, IRCC announced a cap on study permits for 2025 at 437,000, a decrease from the 485,000 target for 2024. The government has also increased the financial requirements for students applying for study permits, raising the minimum amount of money an applicant must show to CA$ 20,635 (approximately ₹12.7 lakh), up from CA$ 10,000 (about ₹6.14 lakh).
These changes reflect Canada’s ongoing efforts to manage the increasing number of international students and their impact on the country’s resources. While the figures for study permits issued have seen a drop in recent months, with a decrease in permits for students from India, Canada’s overall international student intake remains high compared to 2015 levels.