Canada has abruptly terminated its fast-track visa program, affecting thousands of international students seeking quick access to Canadian study permits. The decision, seen as a response to housing shortages and resource strain, has sparked concern among students worldwide.
Canada Shutters the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Program
In a significant policy shift, Canada has discontinued its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. Launched in 2018, the SDS provided expedited processing for study permits to applicants from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The program allowed eligible students to receive permits within weeks rather than enduring the months-long standard process.
The Canadian government cited the need to “strengthen program integrity” and “address student vulnerability” as reasons for ending the SDS program. The policy aims to ensure a more equitable application process, eliminating the previous advantages for select countries.
Program Benefits and Impact on Students
The SDS program had distinct advantages for international students who met specific criteria. Students under SDS experienced processing times of three to four weeks, while the standard application route could take up to 12 weeks or more. According to 2023 data, 73% of Indian applicants under the SDS program were approved, compared to a mere 10% success rate for non-SDS applicants.
For students, SDS also required certain financial commitments, such as paying one year’s tuition in advance and showing a high guaranteed income certificate. This meant that students needed a larger migration budget, ranging from Rs 20-25 lakh, according to Bikram Chabal, president of the Association of Visa and IELTS Centres. He added that many students fail to meet the strict language requirements of the SDS, which mandates a high IELTS band score.
Canada’s Immigration Limits and New Policies
This decision follows Canada’s recent cap on study permits for international students. Earlier this year, the government set a limit of 437,000 new study permits for 2025 across all educational levels, including postgraduate programs. This cap marked a 35% reduction in study permits, affecting international students’ plans to study in Canada.
The abrupt end to SDS has left students and educational institutions concerned about potential delays and uncertainties in visa processing. Chabal noted that, under the standard process, students need only pay six months’ tuition in advance and are not required to submit a medical certificate. However, the processing time is longer, and approval rates are less predictable. The impact of this policy shift is expected to be felt within a few months as students adjust their plans.
Why Canada Ended the SDS Program
The Canadian government is grappling with housing shortages and resource limitations, which are especially acute in cities with large student populations. Ending SDS could slow the influx of students and alleviate pressure on housing. However, officials have also pointed to concerns about program integrity, citing the need to protect students from vulnerabilities in the immigration process.
Some experts see this move as Canada’s response to increased scrutiny over its immigration policies. The government hopes that the standardized approach will prevent any preferential treatment and create a fairer system for students globally.
A Setback for Aspiring International Students
Canada’s decision is a setback for students worldwide, particularly from India, who had come to rely on the streamlined SDS program. With India accounting for a significant portion of Canada’s international student population, this change could impact both students’ educational plans and Canada’s educational institutions.
For thousands of international students, the end of SDS is a disappointing development. The SDS allowed students to plan confidently, knowing their study permits would be processed quickly. Now, students face the uncertainty of longer wait times and stricter eligibility requirements.
A Changing Landscape for Canadian Immigration
Canada’s termination of the fast-track visa program highlights the challenges facing international students and the changing landscape of Canadian immigration. The country’s evolving policies are driven by internal pressures, including housing concerns and resource management. For students, Canada’s decision introduces an added layer of uncertainty to the already challenging journey of studying abroad.
