This Friday, November 8, marked a decisive turn for Canada when it ended the SDS visa for international students. Student Direct Stream (SDS), introduced in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), was one of the fast-track pathways for international students from 14 designated countries, including India, Pakistan, China, and the Philippines. Its ultimate aim was to simplify and accelerate study permit applications to help the students aiming to study in Canada.
However, with increased concerns regarding housing shortages and strained resources, the Canadian government announced that it would end SDS program. Authorities cite that cessation is intended to ensure “equitable and fair access to the application process” for international students. They indicated their desire for the high integrity of the program and student protection to be among the motivations for change in policy.
SDS visa for international students still valid under one condition
It clarified that applications for SDS received before 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8 will still be accepted and processed under the now-defunct program, while applications submitted after that time will be subjected to the standard process of studying, which usually takes much more time to have them processed. It also stated that “students from participating countries are still eligible to apply for a Canadian study permit under the standard criteria.”
It would be a significant change for students coming from large-volume countries like India, who would have enjoyed quicker turnaround times and better visa outcomes. Applicants from all 14 SDS countries will now have to undergo a less efficient visa processing time, including its implications on their timelines and plans.
It is interpreted as a restriction of the entry of immigrants in view of the strains on public infrastructure, such as healthcare and affordable housing. This policy shift comes within the matrix of developing a balance between economic and social strains in an effort not to sideline support for international education but rather harmonize application processes.
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