Canada Ends Popular Visa Scheme For Foreign Students In Big Blow To Indian Aspirants

Last Updated:November 09, 2024, 16:19 IST

Canada's goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience, a government presser said.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. (Reuters File Photo)

In a fresh policy shift, Canada discontinued the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) on Friday (November 8, 2024), ending a fast-track study permit process that has helped thousands of international students quickly secure visas.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. The SDS was eventually opened to legal residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. Prospective university students from Nigeria had a similar process with the Nigeria Student Express (NSE).

“Canada’s goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience. To meet this commitment, SDS and NSE initiatives have ended as of 2:00 pm ET today," a government statement read.

“Prospective students are invited to apply through the regular study permit stream, which accepts Guaranteed Investment Certificates as proof of financial support. Canada will continue to welcome international students from all around the world," it added.

Next Steps For Aspirants

The Canada government, however, said, “Eligible SDS and NSE applications received before 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, will be processed under these streams. Study permit applications submitted on or after this time will be processed under the regular study permit stream."

“This change will not adversely affect eligibility for those who wish to apply for a study permit from a country where the SDS or NSE initiatives have been offered. All students, regardless of whether they were eligible for the SDS or NSE, are required to meet Canada’s study permit application requirements," it added.

News world Canada Ends Popular Visa Scheme For Foreign Students In Big Blow To Indian Aspirants