On November 8, 2024, Canada concluded the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a program designed to speed up study permit applications for international students. Initiated in 2018, the SDS assisted students from 14 nations, such as India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines, in securing their permits more quickly by mandating a $20,635 CAD Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) along with proof of language proficiency.
With the SDS, students can obtain their permits in a matter of weeks, whereas the standard procedure typically requires as much as eight weeks.
Since the SDS is no longer available, all students must apply using the normal method, which results in longer wait times. This change is part of Canada’s overall plan to regulate the number of international students. The government has set a limit on the number of study permits available in 2025 and modified work permit restrictions for international students.
Countries affected by this change include India, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam, Brazil, Colombia, Morocco, Senegal, and Sri Lanka, among others. Although current students in Canada would not be immediately affected, new applicants from these countries will face delays. The modification has benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, the standardized procedure may result in more accurate reviews of applications, helping in identifying fraud. However, the lengthy processing timeframes may cause hardship for students by delaying their study start dates, travel arrangements, and housing arrangements.
With these restrictions, Canada may not be the best option for some students, and significant planning is required for those who choose it.
