Canada ends popular visa program for international students; What you need to know

Toronto: In a move impacting international students, Canada has announced the immediate end of its Student Direct Stream (SDS).

The program implemented in 2018 expedited study permit applications for students from 14 countries, including India, China, Brazil, and the Philippines. Ottawa’s decision is part of a broader push to manage the strain on Canada’s housing and resources, as the country contends with rising living costs and a stretched healthcare system.

The SDS program, launched by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), was popular for its streamlined process, higher approval rates, and quicker permit processing.

According to the Canadian government, discontinuing SDS will "strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process."

Program closure timeline

Applications received by 2 pm ET on November 8, 2023, will still be processed through SDS. However, any applications received after this deadline will move to the regular study permit stream, which typically takes longer to process.

Canada’s immigration stance

Canada, long regarded as an immigrant-friendly country, has recently begun re-evaluating its approach to immigration amid mounting pressure on housing and infrastructure. For the first time in years, the Canadian government is looking at reducing immigration levels, a significant change that reflects growing domestic concerns about the number of newcomers.

Canada’s government has faced public criticism on issues related to housing shortages, increasing living costs, and healthcare access, with many Canadians linking these challenges to high immigration levels. Public opinion has shifted, with a recent poll showing that a notable portion of the population believes the country is welcoming too many immigrants. This shift in public sentiment is expected to be a major topic in the federal election due by October 2025.

This latest policy change follows other recent moves affecting international students. In December 2022, Canada announced that new study permit applicants would need to demonstrate higher financial resources to ensure they can manage the country’s high living costs.

For applications submitted from January 1, 2023, a single applicant must now show they have at least CA$ 20,635 (about Rs 12.7 lakh), an increase from the previous requirement of CA$ 10,000 (around Rs 6.14 lakh).

Additionally, starting in December 2023, designated learning institutions (DLIs) across Canada will be required to verify each applicant’s acceptance letter through IRCC.