GUWAHATI: Canada has ended its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme, a fast-track study permit process for international students, effective from Friday, November 8.
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The SDS programme, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2018, allowed students from 14 countries, including India, China, and the Philippines, to secure study permits within weeks.
Key requirements included a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD $20,635 and specific English or French language test scores.
The SDS was particularly favoured by Indian applicants, providing a quicker alternative to the standard visa process, which can take up to eight weeks. However, Canada's decision to terminate the program now means that it has set a cap of 437,000 new study permits for 2025, covering all education levels.
Additional restrictions include stricter language and academic criteria for students pursuing the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), limited work permits for spouses of international students, and increased financial proof requirements.
