Canada has recently announced the termination of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) initiatives, which had expedited study permit processing for international students, particularly benefiting students from India. Introduced in 2018, the SDS allowed students from certain countries, including India, to fast-track their study permit applications, provided they met specific criteria, such as securing a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) to demonstrate proof of funds.
With this change, Indian students will now be required to apply through the regular study permit stream, which could lead to longer processing times. The total number of students currently studying in Canada represents the highest proportion amongst the international student community in the country.
“We’re going to have fewer temporary foreign workers in Canada. We’re bringing in stricter rules for companies to prove why they can’t hire Canadian workers first,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a post on X.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was introduced in 2018 to expedite processing for eligible post-secondary students. Initially available to residents of countries like China, India, and the Philippines, the program was later expanded to include Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Morocco, and others.
According to a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the primary aim of SDS is to enhance program integrity, reduce student vulnerability, and ensure that all students have equal access to the application process while also ensuring a positive academic journey.
According to the data from the Indian High Commission, India is the largest source country of foreign students with an estimated 4,27,000 Indian students studying in Canada.
Rising diplomatic tensions have further fuelled the Canadian government’s decision, which significantly affects Indian students who annually seek opportunities abroad, hoping for a better lifestyle. Additionally, growing domestic conflicts and Canada’s slowing economy seem to be influencing this move.
The decision to discontinue the SDS and NSE programmes is aimed at ‘strengthening program integrity’, according to Canadian immigration authorities. The move is intended to ensure a more equitable process for international students, ensuring fair treatment for applicants from all countries.
While this change does not affect students’ eligibility, it may alter the application timelines, with some students potentially facing longer wait times.
HOW IT COULD AFFECT INDIAN DREAMS
In 2023, 60 percent of the 400,000 Indian students seeking to study in Canada applied through the SDS programme. This route had a notably higher approval rate, with over 70% of applicants from India receiving study permits. In contrast, those applying via the regular study permit stream faced much lower approval rates, dropping to just 10%.
For students who have already applied under the SDS before the November 8, 2024, cut-off time, their applications will still be processed under the expedited stream. However, applications submitted after this deadline will follow the regular processing route. Immigration officials have assured that the shift will not impact eligibility, and the requirements for study permits remain the same.
India is a key source of international students for Canada, and this change could influence the number of Indian students seeking study permits. As of 2024, more than 13 lakh Indian students have received study permits, with nearly 137,500 permits issued this year only, accounting for 36.7 percent of the total international student intake.
This shift could lead some students to explore other study destinations or reconsider their plans, as the regular study permit process may present challenges with longer waiting periods.
This change aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to maintain the integrity of its immigration system and to provide equal opportunities for all international students. Furthermore, on November 1, Canada implemented new requirements for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) program, which now mandates proof of language proficiency as part of the application process.
This follows earlier moves by Canadian officials to review policies around temporary foreign workers and the post-graduation work landscape.