Last Updated:
Canada’s goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience, a government presser said.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. (Reuters File Photo)
In a fresh policy shift, Canada did away with the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) on Friday (November 8, 2024), ending a fast-track study permit process that has helped thousands of international students quickly secure visas.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. The SDS was eventually opened to legal residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. Prospective university students from Nigeria had a similar process with the Nigeria Student Express (NSE).
“Canada’s goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience. To meet this commitment, SDS and NSE initiatives have ended as of 2:00 pm ET today,” a government statement read.
“Prospective students are invited to apply through the regular study permit stream, which accepts Guaranteed Investment Certificates as proof of financial support. Canada will continue to welcome international students from all around the world,” it explained.
Also Read | ‘Inability To Provide Minimum Security’: India Cancels Scheduled Consular Camps In Canada’s Toronto
Next Steps For Aspirants
The Canadian government, however, said, “Eligible SDS and NSE applications received before 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, will be processed under these streams. Study permit applications submitted on or after this time will be processed under the regular study permit stream.”
“This change will not adversely affect eligibility for those who wish to apply for a study permit from a country where the SDS or NSE initiatives have been offered. All students, regardless of whether they were eligible for the SDS or NSE, are required to meet Canada’s study permit application requirements,” it added.
How Will It Affect Indian Students
With the programme scrapped, students from India and 13 other countries will have to undergo a rather lengthy procedure to secure visas.
This significant policy change, the first of its kind in years, is being implemented as a measure to reduce the influx of immigrants into the country. The decision comes amid a backdrop of economic challenges, including a strained healthcare system, escalating living costs, and a housing crisis, among other issues.
India-Canada Ties
The move came at a time when India and Canada have been dealing with an unprecedented diplomatic crisis after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Nijjar in Canada. India has rejected Canada’s allegations, terming it “absurd” and “politically motivated.”
Last month Canada expelled six Indian diplomats and consular officials in connection with a probe of the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in 2023.
India also announced its decision to expel six Canadian diplomats, which include Canada’s Acting High Commissioner in India, Steward Ross Wheeler, Deputy High Commissioner in India Patrick Hebert, and First Secretary Marie Catherine Joly.
