In a significant policy reversal, the Canadian government has officially terminated the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, effective immediately. This decision is poised to disrupt the plans of thousands of international students who relied on the expedited visa process to pursue higher education in Canada.
Introduced in 2018, the SDS was a cornerstone initiative aimed at simplifying the study permit application process for applicants from 14 countries, including major student sources such as India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The program was particularly favored for its efficiency, with visa approvals typically granted within three to four weeks—a stark contrast to the standard processing time of eight to twelve weeks.
The move to discontinue the SDS coincides with the closure of the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program, as announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Nigerian applicants, like their counterparts from other SDS-participating nations, will now be required to navigate the conventional study permit application channels, potentially facing longer wait times and increased uncertainty.
“This shift represents another hurdle for international students aspiring to study in Canada,” remarked Dr. Ananya Sharma, an education consultant based in Toronto. “The SDS was instrumental in attracting a diverse student body by offering a more predictable and swift application process.”
Adding to the challenges, the Canadian government has imposed a cap of 437,000 new study permits for the year 2025. This limit encompasses all levels of education, including postgraduate programs, and is part of a broader strategy to regulate the influx of international students. The cap marks a 35 percent reduction compared to previous targets, signaling a tightening of Canada’s immigration policies.
This latest development comes on the heels of earlier regulatory changes introduced in 2024, which included a two-year limit on study permits. These cumulative measures have raised concerns among educational institutions and prospective students alike, particularly from India—a country that has consistently been one of the top sources of international students to Canada.
“The reduction in available permits and the elimination of fast-track programs like SDS and NSE make Canada a less attractive destination compared to other countries offering more streamlined visa processes,” said Rajiv Malhotra, spokesperson for the Association of Indian Universities in Canada.
The Canadian government has yet to provide a detailed rationale for the discontinuation of these programs. However, officials have hinted at a need to reassess immigration flows and ensure that the quality of education and integration support remains manageable.
As international students seek alternative pathways, the ripple effects of these policy changes are expected to influence global education trends. Countries that offer more accessible and faster visa processes may become more competitive destinations for higher education, potentially reshaping the landscape of international student mobility.
For now, thousands of prospective scholars must navigate the revised immigration framework, adapting their plans in response to Canada’s evolving policies.
