Problems mount for Indian students: Canada abruptly ends fast-track student visa program

In a surprise move, the Canadian government has officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program effective Friday, November 8, 2024, ending the fast-track study permit process that has benefited thousands of international students seeking to study in Canada.

Introduced in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the SDS program aimed to streamline the visa application process for students from 14 countries, including major source countries such as India, China and the Philippines.

To qualify, applicants had to meet specific criteria, such as obtaining a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth $20,635 CAD and providing test scores in English or French. The program significantly reduced the wait time for study permits, allowing successful candidates to receive their visas within weeks, compared to an average processing time of eight weeks for Indian applicants applying through the regular route.

The cancellation of the SDS program is part of Canada’s broader strategy to manage its international student population amid growing concerns about housing shortages and limited resources. As part of the 2024 policy changes, the government has set a cap of 437,000 new study permits for 2025, which will cover all levels of education, including postgraduate programs.

In addition to the termination of the SDS, the Canadian government is implementing a series of tightening measures. These include stricter language and academic requirements for students seeking the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), restrictions on work permits for spouses of international students, and stricter financial proof requirements. These changes come as Canada struggles with pressure on housing and public services, despite having a record 807,000 study permit holders in 2023.

In light of the new regulations, international students may face longer wait times and higher admission standards.

In a related development, Canada has also revised its tourist visa policy, moving away from the long-standing practice of issuing multi-entry ten-year visas. The new guidelines give immigration officials more leeway in determining the type and duration of visas, which could impact frequent travelers who may no longer be guaranteed long-term entry.

The IRCC issued a statement clarifying that “multiple entry visas issued with maximum validity are no longer considered the standard document.” Officials will now have the power to decide whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, as well as the validity period of each visa.