November 9, 2024: In a move that is expected to significantly impact international students, the Canadian government has announced the immediate cancellation of its fast-track visa program for foreign students, known as the Student Direct Stream (SDS). The decision, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Friday, comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between Canada and India.
The SDS initiative, which was introduced in 2018, aimed to streamline the study permit application process for eligible students, allowing for faster processing and higher approval rates. The program was initially designed for students from India and China but was later expanded to include residents from 14 countries. The program significantly shortened processing times, which were typically no longer than four weeks, compared to the much longer wait times in the regular application stream.
In a statement released on November 8, the IRCC explained that the decision to scrap the SDS was driven by the government's goal to "strengthen program integrity," ensure "fair and equal access" to the application process, and address concerns about student vulnerability. "This change will allow us to better meet our commitment to providing a positive academic experience for all students," the statement read.
The SDS had a near 95% approval rate, making it a highly attractive option for prospective international students, particularly from India, which has been one of the largest sources of foreign students to Canada in recent years. Naresh Chavda, president of Globayan Immigration Corporation, a firm that assists students with Canadian immigration, expressed concern over the sudden closure of the program. He noted that the SDS had provided a simplified application process for students who met language and financial requirements, along with a letter of acceptance from a Canadian institution.
"There was no clear reason for this sudden closure other than to reduce the intake of international students," Chavda said. He warned that the decision could have long-term consequences, with students potentially seeking alternatives in other countries. "Interest in studying in Canada may decline, and other nations may become more attractive to students who were previously eyeing Canadian institutions," he added.
The decision to end the SDS program follows a period of strained relations between Canada and India. Diplomatic tensions escalated earlier this year, partly due to political differences and issues surrounding the treatment of Indian nationals in Canada. While the Canadian government has not directly linked the termination of the SDS to these diplomatic issues, experts believe that it could be part of a broader effort to reassess Canada's international student policies.
The move is expected to have a ripple effect on Canada’s higher education sector, which relies heavily on international students for both revenue and cultural diversity. While the regular study permit application process will remain in place, students applying after November 8 will no longer benefit from the expedited processing times or higher approval rates previously associated with the SDS.