Canada ends Student Direct Stream programme: Impact on Indian students abroad?

Canada has terminated its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme, effective from Friday, in a big development. This has brought an end to a fast-track study permit process that helped thousands of international students secure visas quickly.

The cancellation reflects Canada’s push to control its international student population amid housing and resource crises. The government has set a cap of 437,000 study permits for 2025, covering all education programmes, including the post-graduate ones.

Consequentially, international students in Canada are facing heightened eligibility standards and longer ait periods. It has been recommended that students start planning much earlier than before in order to easily address demands of the more restrictive landscape.

Canada seeking to balance education and housing sectors

Launched in 2018, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada sought to simplify the visa application process for students from 14 countries, including China, India and the Philippines.

But the students had to meet specific requirements such as a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate amounting to $20,635 Canadian Dollars, and English or French language test scores. Through the streamlined process, applicants could secure permits much quicker.

Besides the SDS cancellation, Canada has also introduced more measures, such as limited employment permits for spouses of international students, and higher financial proof requirements. The country seeks to balance the education and housing sectors.

Also Read | Canada Shuts Down Australia Today’s Social Media: Here’s Why