Canada has unexpectedly canceled its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, starting November 8, 2024. The SDS made it much faster and easier for international students to get study permits, and it had been a key option for many students looking to study in Canada.
The program, which launched in 2018, was designed by Canada’s immigration department to streamline the visa process for students from 14 countries, including India, China, and the Philippines. To be eligible, students had to meet certain criteria, like purchasing a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth $20,635 CAD and providing language test scores in English or French. For many, the SDS allowed them to get their study permits in just a few weeks, while the regular process could take much longer—up to two months or more, especially for students from India.
The decision to end the SDS is part of Canada’s broader efforts to manage the growing number of international students amid rising pressures on housing and public services. As part of new policies for 2024, Canada has announced it will limit the number of new studies permits to 437,000 for 2025, covering all types of education, including postgraduate programs.
Other changes are also being introduced. For example, students will now face stricter language and academic requirements to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The government is also limiting work permits for the spouses of international students and requiring higher financial proof from applicants. These measures are aimed at balancing the benefits of hosting international students—Canada welcomed a record 807,000 study permit holders in 2023—with the need to reduce the strain on housing and public services.
