The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the immediate suspension of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, effective as of November 8, 2024. This significant change means that students applying from countries currently eligible for the SDS will no longer be able to use this expedited processing stream for their study permit applications.
What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster and more streamlined processing for study permit applications for international students. The program was designed to help students from select countries—including China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and others—receive a faster decision on their study permit application. The SDS allowed eligible students to enjoy quicker processing times, often within 20 calendar days, provided they met certain criteria, such as language test results and evidence that they opened a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635 CAD.
This program was particularly popular among students aiming to pursue higher education in Canada, thanks to its faster processing time compared to the regular study permit application process
Why Has IRCC Suspended the SDS Program?
While the SDS program had been an attractive option for many students, the Canadian government made the decision to wind it down for several reasons. These include strengthening program integrity, addressing vulnerabilities in the system, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants, and enhancing the overall academic experience for international students in Canada.
By eliminating the program, Canada hopes to ensure that students are assessed fairly, based on their individual qualifications, and that all applicants are given the opportunity to succeed academically and contribute to Canada’s vibrant, multicultural society.
For international students, these changes signal a commitment to ensuring that the Canadian education system remains accessible and inclusive, while maintaining a high standard of immigration integrity.
