Further tightening measures include limited work permits for spouses of international students and higher financial proof requirements.
CHANDIGARH — Canada has abruptly terminated its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, effective from Friday (November 8, 2024), ending a fast-track study permit process that had helped thousands of international students quickly secure visas.
Launched in 2018, the SDS by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aimed to simplify the visa application process for students from 14 countries, including India, China, and the Philippines, who met specific requirements.
These requirements included a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth $20,635 CAD and English or French language test scores. The streamlined process allowed successful applicants to secure study permits in a matter of weeks, while processing times under the standard route often extend to around eight weeks for Indian applicants, Indian Express reported.
The SDS cancellation reflects Canada’s growing push to control its international student population amid housing and resource strains. As part of its 2024 policy shifts, the government set a cap of 437,000 new study permits for 2025, covering all levels of education, including postgraduate programs.
Further tightening measures include tougher language and academic benchmarks for students aiming to qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), limited work permits for spouses of international students, and higher financial proof requirements. The changes come as Canada seeks to balance the benefits of its international education sector—hosting a record 807,000 study permit holders in 2023—with the need to alleviate pressures on housing and services.
As a result, international students now face longer wait times and heightened eligibility standards. Advisors recommend that students begin their visa planning much earlier than before to navigate the new, more restrictive landscape.
