Indian students are expressing deep concern after Canada recently announced the termination of its fast-track Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, a popular pathway for those seeking to study in Canada. The decision, made on November 8, has left many students anxious about their academic futures and uncertain about alternative routes to secure study permits.
The SDS program, launched in 2018, had been a crucial option for international students, particularly from countries like India, China, Pakistan, and Brazil, allowing them to obtain study permits more quickly. However, following its sudden discontinuation, many aspiring students are now facing increased uncertainty.
A student from Chandigarh, who plans to study in Canada, expressed frustration with the abrupt policy shift. “I was hoping to go to Canada, but now the visa process has been halted. Many Indian students dream of studying abroad, and this decision is disheartening,” she said. “It’s unfair to stop the program mid-way, especially when it meant so many opportunities and career prospects for us.”
Visa counselor Rahul Arora also voiced his concern, highlighting the negative impact on students’ ambitions. “This decision will hit students’ dreams hard. Many have been preparing for years to study abroad, and now, their hopes are at risk,” he explained. “This is a setback for both countries.”
The SDS, originally aimed at streamlining the visa application process for post-secondary students, was extended to a range of countries, including India. It allowed applicants to bypass much of the usual paperwork and receive faster decisions on their study permits. The program’s sudden cancellation also affects Nigeria, where the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program has been discontinued.
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that the move was made to “strengthen program integrity” and address student vulnerability. The government emphasized its commitment to providing fair access to study permits for all international students but stressed that applicants would now have to go through the standard application procedures, which involve additional paperwork, including a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter.
The timing of this decision coincides with heightened diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, following allegations of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun—a claim that India has strongly denied. While the political context remains complex, students and counselors alike are left grappling with the impact of the SDS program’s abrupt end.
