Canada on Friday announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme. This development can have far-reaching implications for Indian students as the SDS programme is a key pathway for international students seeking permits for studies in Canada. It is said that Canada took the decision as part of the country’s attempts to address “ongoing housing shortages and resource strain”.
Launched in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the SDS programme was designed to fast-track study permit applications for students from 14 countries. Besdies India, these countries also include Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
The SDS programme made the student application process faster,making access to Canadian educational institutions easier and quicker.
A statement by the Canadian government posted on its official website explained that the SDS programme would be terminated to “strengthen programme integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process”.
The move by the Canadian government is likely to affect international students, especially from those countries that were previously included in the SDS programme.
What Will Happen To Submitted Applications?
The applications submitted by 12:30 AM on November 9 will still be processed under the SDS programme, while those received after this deadline will be processed through the regular study permit stream, IANS reported.
Students opted for the SDS programme as it was known for its faster processing times and higher approval rates. But with its discontinuation, students from India and 13 other countries will now have to face longer and more complex visa application processes.
As the Canadian government seeks to regain public support amid growing resentment, the number of immigrants it admits are likely to be reduced considerably for the first time in years, marking a major shift in the nation’s policy.
Why The Need For Policy Change?
Canada, which is known for its welcoming nature towards newcomers, is now changing its narrative and policy. This comes as officials are pointing to the increased pressure on the country’s housing market, rising cost of living, and already overburdened healthcare system, which is put by the immigration.
Canada is reportedly facing the challenges of maintaining public approval while also addressing rising concerns about the impact of the surge in population.
The issue of immigration has become a major point of contention in Canadian politics ahead of the upcoming federal election, expected to be held in October 2025.
According to IANS report, recent polls showed that an increasing number of Canadians believe that the country is accepting too many immigrants. This sentiment is fueling the political debate as the citizens are concerned over housing, job competition, and public services.
This changing opinion is adding to government’s pressure to work on its immigration policies in response to voters’ concern.
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