Canada has ended the fast-track study visa program (SDS) immediately, a decision expected to impact many international students, particularly those from India.

Canada has ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which previously offered faster processing and higher approval rates for student visa applications.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a 35% reduction in international student permits this year, with a further 10% decrease next year, aiming to address system abuse.

The move to end the SDS program comes amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada.

India is Canada’s largest source of international students, with around 4,27,000 Indian students currently studying there.

Canada’s Immigration Department (IRCC) stated that the goal is to ensure fair access to the study permit process, strengthen programme integrity, and address student vulnerability.

The SDS was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students from select countries, including India, China, and the Philippines. It and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) have now ended.

Applications submitted before 2:00 pm ET (Friday) will still be processed under the SDS and NSE streams.

Prospective students can still apply through the regular study permit stream, using Guaranteed Investment Certificates as proof of financial support.

The SDS was designed to simplify and speed up study permit processing, allowing students to enter Canada faster, typically within weeks instead of months.

2024 has been a tough year for prospective students aiming to study in Canada, with significant cuts to the number of international students admitted. Under the SDS, Indian student applications were processed in 20 business days, but now, it may take up to 8 weeks.

Canada’s immigration policy is tightening, especially for low-skilled workers. Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed plans to reduce the number of permanent residents to 3,95,000 in 2025, a nearly 20% decrease from 2024.

Temporary immigrant numbers, including students and foreign workers, will drop to 4,46,000 in 2025 and 2026 from 8,00,000 this year. By 2027, only 17,400 new non-permanent residents are expected.

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