The recent termination of Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) program has left thousands of prospective students from India and other countries in limbo. The program, introduced in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), was designed to fast-track visa applications from 14 nations, including India and China, providing quicker processing and higher approval rates for qualifying students.
What Was the SDS Program?
Launched in 2018, the SDS program offered accelerated visa processing for international students who met specific requirements, including:
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635 CAD in a Canadian financial institution.
- Valid language test scores in English or French.
The SDS program allowed students from 14 countries, including India, to benefit from faster and smoother visa approvals, enabling them to arrive in Canada well before their courses began.
Why Canada Ended the SDS Program
According to a statement by the Canadian government, the SDS program was terminated to enhance “program integrity, address student vulnerability, and ensure fair access to all applicants.” Applications submitted by 2 pm ET on November 8, 2024, will still be processed under the SDS program, but those submitted after this deadline will go through the regular study permit stream.
Local Insights: Impact on Housing and Migration
Local residents and analysts suggest that the decision is part of Canada’s efforts to tackle its ongoing housing crisis, which has often been attributed to rising migration levels. The sudden cancellation of the SDS program is expected to significantly affect Indian students, as India has one of the highest numbers of applicants under the program.
One second-year student at York University shared her experience, saying, “Through the SDS program, I got my education visa in nine days. The normal process would have taken at least eight weeks.” She voiced concerns for her sister, who plans to apply to the same university, fearing that diplomatic tensions and recent policy changes make the situation less favorable for Indian students.
Student Reactions and Concerns
Many students are reconsidering their plans due to the SDS program’s termination. A student from George Brown College noted, “I’m not sure if the recent decisions by the Canadian government will actually solve the housing crisis, but it will definitely discourage international students from applying.”
Prospective student Raghav Arora from New Delhi expressed doubts about pursuing his education in Canada, citing both the SDS program’s end and Canada’s visa restrictions. “I chose Canada for its business management programs, but now I might explore other countries that provide quality education and better opportunities,” he said.
What This Means for Indian Students
With the end of the SDS program and Canada’s recent visa restrictions, Indian students may face longer processing times, lower approval rates, and higher uncertainties around their applications. Many students and families are now exploring alternatives, seeking countries that offer comparable educational quality and career prospects without the current complications surrounding Canada’s student visa policies.
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