Canada terminated its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program which facilitated the study permit process for international students with utmost ease and convenience effective from November 8, 2024.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program was launched in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The primary objective was to simplify the visa application process for students meeting specific requirements from around 14 countries, including India.
SDS Program Requirements and Cancellation
Easing out the visa application with the SDS program came with certain prerequisites for the students. Meeting those criteria would have allowed the students to enroll in the SDS program.
The requirements included a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD 20,635 and an English or French language test score. This process, after the conditions were met streamlined the very hectic visa process for the students. And they were able to complete the process and get their student visas in almost a few weeks.
Due to resource and housing restraints, the cancellation of the SDS program reflects Canada’s restraint over encouraging the migration of international students. Trying to control the population of International students there is a major policy shift in 2024.
Canadian Policy Shifts in 2024
2024 policy shifts started with the government setting a cap of 437,000 new study permits for 2025. It covers all levels of education, including postgraduate programs. Further restrictions include higher academic benchmarks and more technical language for students to qualify for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The spouses of international students will also have limited work permits and higher financial proof requirements. Canada hosted a record number of 807,000 study permit holders in 2023, which created immense pressure on the resources and housing amenities.
The main intent behind this policy shift is to lift off the pressure and balance the benefits of its international education sector. As a result of this, there now exists a longer waitlisting time and higher academic standards for international students aspiring to study in Canada. Advisors are suggesting prior visa approval to the potential candidates.
