Canada Ends Fast-Track SDS Visa Program: Impact on Indian Students and Study Permit Process in Canada
The study permit process in Canada has felt the backlash following the severe cuts to the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. Being one of the largest groups of international students who have moved to Canada, Indian students suffered the most. In this post, we will discuss why the SDS program was so crucial, why students were drawn to it, and what the changes may mean for the study permit process going forward.
What Was the SDS Program and How Did It Help Indian Students?
In 2018, the SDS was launched as a fast-track visa program for students from select countries, including India, to expedite the study permit application process. This reduced the processing guarantee of study permits to less than 20 business days—all of this from weeks or even months for regular processing. It was a much more efficient program, and increased approval rates made it a highly sought-after route for Indian students aspiring to study in Canada.
Indian students flocked to the SDS program for years now, motivated by the ease of application. SDS applicants enjoyed higher approval rates, way above the percentages for regular-stream applicants. This trend was especially observed during the pandemic: Indian SDS applicants registered three times higher approval rates than non-SDS applicants.
More than 80% of Indian students selected the SDS route in 2022, wanting to acquire swift approvals and have few visa issues. It is a sad day that the program has been closed down, putting the Indian students into a much more uncertain and long-drawn-out process for securing a study permit.
Why Did Canada Close the SDS Program?
That is part of a much broader immigration strategy to begin scaling back Canada’s temporary resident population. In September, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had already publicly declared that Canada was going to reduce the number of international student permits it issued each year, pointing to abuse of the system and the strain rapid immigration growth put on infrastructure. The government has promised that international students would be given equal opportunities for the process of application and already did away with the fast-track advantages granted upon starting with the SDS program.
He mentioned in his statement that although the immigration is beneficial for the Canadian economy, there have been issues of misuse. Closing SDS as well as the Nigeria Student Express, the Canadian government has taken measures to stop these opportunities along with providing study permits to only eligible students, keeping the process fair and equitable.
What does this mean for the Indian students?
The largest users of this SDS program happen to be Indian students, and thus they will likely face longer wait times for study permits. Where the expedited process would take a mere 20 days, they will now have to apply through the regular stream of study permits, which could take eight weeks to three months or more.
This may further push back the plans of those intending to study in Canada in the following academic intakes. Moreover, the tighter immigration rules and reduced quotas for international students will mean fewer students being accepted into Canada.
Study Permit Changes in Canada
Closing the SDS program will revert to the traditional application process for the process of acquiring a study permit in Canada. It only means that students will have to create more paper works with GICs, one of the proofs of funds, among other eligibility requirements.
The open standard process could be under more pressure due to the immigration system given the SDS is closing down. Therefore, students will have longer times in processing and may be called into alternative means of getting a Canadian study permit. The Canadian government has said it wants to “strengthen program integrity” and ensure “addressing student vulnerability” ensures a level playing field of opportunity for all students applying.
The Future of Canadian Immigration and Education
This is all part of a larger trend for Canada to cut back on the numbers it takes in by way of temporary residents, including international students. In a move also reflecting a change of tack regarding immigration priorities for Canada, the government has announced it will take in fewer international students and foreign workers in 2025. Changes at this level suggest a reversal in the more traditionally open-door posture Canada has taken on issues concerning immigration.
These updates, however, may have a great effect on the students coming from India and other nations, as it will affect their abilities to pursue study permits in Canada. With a more competitive level that is associated with various competitions, there should be a need among students to seek alternative options such as other visas coupled with immigration policies that are reigning currently.
Conclusion
Closing the fast-track Student Direct Stream for Canada will be huge news for international students, particularly those coming from India. Given that processing times have increased and the approval process for visas has become significantly more stringent, student plans and timelines are likely to get adjusted. Only over time will it be known how these changes will shape and transform the face of Canada’s international students; however, one thing is clear: the study permit process in Canada has gotten a whole lot more complicated.
