Canadian Government’s Decision to Discontinue Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa

• The Canadian government announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa in November 2024, impacting Indian students.

• The SDS visa, introduced in 2018, was a streamlined pathway for Indian students, offering faster processing time, lower application fees, and simplified documentation.

• The decision was driven by challenges such as the potential pathway to permanent residency and uncertainty about future immigration prospects.

• The discontinuation aims to regulate the number of international students, alleviate pressure on housing and resources, and implement a more equitable approach to student visa processing.

• Immediate consequences include prolonged processing time, increased application fees, and potential delays in study plans.

• Indirect consequences include potential delays in study plans, deferral of admissions, and increased challenges in securing post-study work opportunities and immigrating to Canada.

• Critiques and concerns include increased processing times, higher application fees, and stricter eligibility criteria.

• Other options include traditional student visa, a more time-consuming and comprehensive application process, and careful planning and documentation.