The government of Canada has decided to cancel its Student Direct Stream (SDS) fast-track visa program.
Announcing the new measure, the authorities said that the facilitated rules under the program would cease to apply from November 8, meaning that the program is no longer available, VisaGuide.World reports.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) fast-track visa program was launched in 2018. Its main aim was to make it possible for international students from Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam to obtain their study permits under a streamlined process.
Through an official statement, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said that the country wants to give all international students equal and fair access to the application process for study permits.
This means that Canada wants to apply the same rules for foreigners who want to pursue their studies in the country and no longer keep in place simplified procedures only for certain nationalities.
Canada’s goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience.
The ending of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) fast-track visa program means that students from the countries concerned will now have to undergo the regular study permit process.
Students React to Canada’s Decision
Following Canada’s announcement to end the Student Direct Stream (SDS) fast-track visa program, students of the concerned countries have reacted immediately.
A large number of them have said that they feel disappointed and frustrated by the new decision.
According to an Indian student, it is not right to stop the program midway, stressing that those who have already applied risk losing many opportunities.
It’s not right to stop visas midway. There are so many opportunities and dream jobs we will miss out on.
In addition to students, a visa counselor also expressed their concerns about the matter. The counselor said that Canada’s decision would have a negative impact on students who will no longer be able to obtain study permits under a streamlined process. The counselor further noted that this was an adverse decision for both parties.
Canada has already announced plans to cut the number of study permits granted to international students. As announced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the number of study permits will be reduced to 437,000 in 2025.