Canada Ends Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa Program: Implications for Indian Students

Canada has officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a fast-track visa option for Indian students and others from13 key countries. Launched in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), SDS was a popular route for faster study permit approvals. This recent change, effective as of November 9, 2024, is aimed at balancing immigration demands with Canada’s current housing and resource constraints, while promoting fair access for all applicants.

Applications submitted by 12:30 AM on November 9 will still be processed under the SDS guidelines, while those after the deadline will be handled through the standard, potentially slower study permit stream. This shift may impact Indian students and others from SDS-partner countries, as they may face longer processing times under the regular system.

Canada’s decision reflects broader concerns about the strain on its housing, healthcare, and public services. As immigration issues shape up to be a major topic in the 2025 federal election, recent surveys show increasing Canadian sentiment that immigration levels may need reconsideration.

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