Canada ends popular student visa scheme effective immediately, Indians to be affected

As a result of the discontinuation, students will face a more prolonged visa process

Canada has discontinued its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, effective November 8, 2024. This program expedited the study permit application process for eligible international students.

The programme was launched in 2018 by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with an aim to simplify the visa application process for students from 14 countries – including China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, among others.

A statement issued by IRCC said, “Canada is committed to giving all international students equal and fair access to the application process for study permits.”

SDS was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. It 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.

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, the statement added further.

The IRCC also announced the closure of its Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream for study permit applicants from Nigeria.

“Eligible SDS and NSE applications received before 2 pm 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,” the statement said.

As a result of the discontinuation, students will face a more prolonged visa process.

In a significant policy shift, Canada plans to drastically reduce its annual immigration intake for the first time in years. This move comes as the unpopular government struggles to maintain public support.