As of November 08, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the Student Direct Stream (SDS) is now closed, effective immediately.
This change affects many international students who use SDS to process their study permits faster to come to Canada.
What Is the SDS?
The SDS was created to help students from certain countries, such as India, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, get their study permits processed faster.
To qualify, students had to meet specific requirements, such as showing proof of funds and meeting language standards.
To apply through the SDS, students needed to meet standard study permit requirements and also submit language test results and proof of opening a $20,635 CAD Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
SDS vs Non-SDS
| Feature | SDS (Student Direct Stream) | Non-SDS (Non-Student Direct Stream) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Countries | Limited to specific countries (e.g., India, China, Philippines, etc.) | Open to all countries worldwide |
| Processing Time | Faster (typically within 20 days) | Slower (varies, usually takes longer than SDS) |
| Language Requirement | Mandatory IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in each band | No fixed requirement (language score varies) |
| Proof of Funds | Requires a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,000 | May use other financial proof methods (bank statements, loans, etc.) |
| Upfront Tuition Payment | Must pay the first-year tuition fee in advance | Not necessarily required; can show partial payment or other funds |
| Documents Required | Streamlined documentation (simpler) | Detailed documentation (more comprehensive) |
| Medical Exam | Required (prior to application submission) | May or may not be required (depends on case) |
| Application Complexity | Simpler and more standardized | More flexible but may require more documentation |
| Visa Approval Rate | Generally higher due to stricter requirements | Varies, potentially lower if not well-documented |
Why Was It Closed?
IRCC has not given detailed reasons for shutting down the SDS suddenly. However, experts think it might be part of a bigger plan to review and improve Canada’s immigration processes as per recent immigration plans and changes.
High numbers of applications, challenges in processing, or changes in policies for international education may be some of the reasons.
What Does This Mean for Students?
With the SDS closed, students now have to apply for study permits through the regular process, which usually takes longer and might involve more detailed checks. This could impact many students who were preparing to apply or planning to start their studies soon.
What Should You Do Next?
IRCC advises students affected by this change to monitor official updates for more information.
Students and education consultants should also look for other ways to apply and ensure their applications meet regular requirements to avoid delays.
The sudden end of the SDS shows that Canada’s immigration rules are changing, and it is important to stay informed and be prepared
