Canada Ends ‘Student Direct Stream’ Visa Programme, how it Affects Indian Students?

Canada has announced the immediate termination of its popular fast-track study visa programme, the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a move that is expected to significantly affect thousands of international students, particularly those from India, PTI reported.

Higher acceptance rates and quicker processing times for study visa applications were offered by the SDS, which was implemented in 2018. Instead of the typical months-long processing time, students from a few countries, such as China, India, and the Philippines, might acquire their study permits under the program in a matter of weeks. All applications will now be handled through the regular study permit stream, which usually entails longer waiting times, as this program came to an end on Friday.

By declaring in September that fewer international student visas will be granted, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has already hinted at a change in Canada’s immigration laws. “This year, we’re issuing 35% fewer permits for international students. And that figure will drop by a further 10% next year,” Trudeau said on X (previously Twitter). “Our economy benefits from immigration, but we crack down when bad actors take advantage of students and abuse the system,” he continued.

The decision was made by the administration in the midst of an ongoing diplomatic conflict between Canada and India. With almost 427,000 Indian students presently enrolled in Canadian universities, India continues to be the top source country for international students, according to the Indian High Commission in Canada.

The modifications are intended 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,” according to a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). “Canada is committed to providing equal and fair access to the study permit application process for all international students,” the IRCC continued.

For post-secondary students from particular nations, such as China, India, and the Philippines, the SDS was created to speed up the application process. Through the program, students were able to obtain approval in as little as 20 business days, avoiding the usual processing time of several months. According to immigrationnewscanada.ca, candidates will now have to wait up to eight weeks for their study permits as the program comes to an end.

The SDS was also open to students from other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Morocco, and Vietnam. In a similar move, the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programme for students from Nigeria has also been ended. The IRCC stated that all eligible applications received before the cut-off time of 2:00 pm ET on Friday (00:30 IST Saturday) would still be processed under the SDS and NSE streams.

While the decision to end the SDS has raised concerns, the IRCC clarified that prospective students could still apply through the regular study permit stream, with Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) accepted as proof of financial support.

With the government reducing its friendly posture for foreign workers and students, the decision represents a dramatic change in Canada’s immigration policy. Canada intends to accept about 395,000 permanent residents in 2025, an almost 20% decrease from the anticipated number of 485,000 in 2024, according to a revised policy unveiled by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on October 24. Furthermore, from 800,000 this year, the number of temporary immigrants—including foreign workers and students—is expected to decline to 446,000 in 2025 and 2026. The new immigration policy calls for Canada to admit only 17,400 additional non-permanent residents by 2027.

These changes have sparked concerns among students and education professionals, particularly in India, where Canada has long been a popular destination for higher education. With the cancellation of the SDS, students will face longer waiting periods and greater uncertainty in their plans to study in Canada.