Canada Ends Popular Student Visa Scheme: Impact on Indian Students

On Friday, Canada officially discontinued its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, which had been a popular pathway for international students seeking study permits. The decision comes as part of the Canadian government's efforts to address ongoing housing shortages and resource limitations, which have been exacerbated by rapid population growth, including an influx of immigrants.

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The SDS visa program, launched in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aimed to expedite the processing of study permits for international students from 14 countries, including India, China, Brazil, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and others. The initiative allowed eligible students to receive their study permits faster than under the regular application process, with higher approval rates and shorter processing times. This made it a popular route for international students, particularly from countries with large student populations like India.

However, the Canadian government announced that the program would be discontinued to “strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and ensure equal and fair access to the application process.” According to the official statement, the aim is to create a more standardized and accessible system for all students, rather than offering preferential treatment to those applying through the SDS route.

For students who submitted their applications by 2 pm ET on November 8, 2024, their applications will still be processed under the Student Direct Stream program. However, any applications received after this deadline will now be handled through the regular study permit stream, which may take longer to process.

The move to end the SDS program is seen as part of Canada’s broader strategy to manage immigration more effectively amid increasing concerns about the nation’s housing crisis, rising cost of living, and the strain on the healthcare system. The growing number of newcomers, including international students, has contributed to these challenges, and the government’s focus is shifting to controlling the number of immigrants allowed into the country.

The issue of immigration has become a central point of debate in Canadian politics, with the upcoming federal election in 2025 expected to bring these concerns to the forefront. Polls indicate that a significant portion of the Canadian population believes the country is admitting too many immigrants, with some calling for policy changes to address the mounting pressure on public services and housing.

This development marks a shift in Canada’s traditionally welcoming stance toward immigrants, particularly international students who have been seen as vital contributors to the economy and educational institutions. The end of the SDS visa program could have implications for students planning to come to Canada for higher education, as they now face more competitive and potentially lengthier visa application processes. 

The Canadian government has indicated that it will focus on improving the overall application process to ensure fairness for all prospective students, though the impact of the SDS program’s removal on future student numbers remains uncertain. For now, international students looking to study in Canada will need to navigate a more rigorous and potentially slower process to secure study permits. 

In summary, the discontinuation of the SDS program reflects Canada’s efforts to manage its population growth, address the strain on resources, and reassess its immigration policies, as the government contemplates the long-term impact of immigration on the country’s housing, economy, and public services.

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