International students could be impacted as Canada ends Student Direct Stream program

Canada has abruptly ended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, terminating a fast-track study permit process that expedited the application procedure for thousands of international students. The cancellation has begun from Friday.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada noted in a statement that the country is committed to offering all students from different countries equal and fair access to the application process for study permits.

Launched in 2018, the SDS program offered faster processing for eligible post-secondary students. It has been helping legal residents of Brazil, China, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Peru, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, and others.

Canada trying to control its international student population

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program helped numerous international students if they met specific requirements, such as a Canadian guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) and English or French language test scores. It significantly shortened the process.

The SDS cancellation highlights Canada’s deepening focus on balancing the country’s education and housing sectors. Canada has been trying to control its international student population as housing and resource strains continue.

Canada hosted a record 807,000 study permit holders in 2023. The government has been implementing tightened measures, such as limited employment permits for spouses of international students, and higher financial proof requirements.