Canada Ends Student Direct Stream Visa Programme, Move To Hit Indian Aspirants

In a major shift, Canada has announced the termination of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, affecting students from 14 countries including India, Brazil, and China.

This move comes as part of the nation's efforts to address its escalating housing and resource challenges.

Photo Credit: PTI

The program, initiated in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC was designed to speed up the study permit application process for international students.

However, the Canadian government has decided to halt this initiative to ensure "program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process," as stated on its official website.

The SDS program was known for its higher approval rates and quicker processing times, making it a preferred route for students from the specified countries. Its discontinuation means that applicants from these nations will now face longer waiting times under the standard visa application process.

The government has confirmed that applications submitted before 2 pm ET on November 8 will be processed according to the SDS guidelines, but subsequent applications will fall under the regular study permit stream.

Canada's move to restrict the influx of international students is part of a broader strategy to reduce overall immigration levels, marking a significant policy shift for a country historically known for its welcoming stance toward immigrants.

This decision reflects growing concerns among the Canadian public over the impact of migration on the housing market, healthcare system, and overall cost of living.

With an election looming by October 2025, the issue of immigration has become increasingly polarising, with more Canadians expressing the belief that the country is accepting too many immigrants.

As the nation heads toward a federal election, the debate over immigration levels is poised to remain a hot-button issue, reflecting a shift in public sentiment regarding the balance between welcoming immigrants and managing national resources effectively.