Canada Ends Popular Student Visa Scheme, Impacting Indian Applicants

Canada has announced the discontinuation of its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, a popular fast-track scheme for international students, including those from India, as part of efforts to address the country's housing and resource challenges. The SDS program, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2018, allowed students from 14 countries — including Brazil, China, India, and Pakistan — to enjoy quicker processing times and higher approval rates for study permits.

Applications under the SDS program submitted before 2 pm ET on November 8 will still be processed. However, applications after that time will fall under the regular study permit stream, which involves a lengthier and more rigorous process. The Canadian government explained that the decision aims to "strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and ensure equal access to the application process."

The change comes as Canada faces mounting political pressure over immigration’s impact on housing, healthcare, and the cost of living. With federal elections expected by October 2025, the government’s stance has sparked debate over immigration levels, with growing public sentiment suggesting that Canada may need to reduce immigration to alleviate these national issues.