Canada has announced the immediate suspension of its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, a popular fast-track pathway introduced in 2018 to simplify study permit applications for international students from 14 key countries, including India, Pakistan, China, and the Philippines. This decision will inevitably slow down the process for many students who previously relied on the expedited service, as they now have to navigate the standard study permit application route, which can take significantly longer.
Reasons for Ending the SDS Program
The Canadian government pointed to housing shortages, infrastructure challenges, and resource limitations as primary reasons for the program’s termination. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in international students, putting additional pressure on Canada’s immigration system and intensifying competition for housing and other resources in major student hubs.
The discontinuation of the SDS program may also be part of broader efforts to better manage immigration, as Canada has recently announced similar changes to its Nigeria Student Express initiative. These adjustments reflect the government’s need to balance the influx of international students with the availability of essential resources, which have been increasingly strained, especially in high-demand cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Implications for International Students
For international students, the end of the SDS means adapting to longer wait times and potential delays in starting their studies in Canada. The program previously ensured faster processing for applicants who met specific criteria, such as providing proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) and demonstrating proficiency in English or French. Now, prospective students will need to apply through the regular study permit stream, which may not provide the same level of timeline predictability.
