Canada recently discontinued its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which offered expedited study permit processing for applicants from specific countries, including India.

Applications submitted after November 8, 2024, must now go through the standard process, which typically has longer processing times.

The closure affects students reliant on the SDS for faster visa approvals, requiring them to meet general study permit requirements instead of the SDS-specific conditions, like a high Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) and set IELTS scores​.

Prospective students remain in a dilemma because, without the expedited Student Direct Stream (SDS) process, the visa application process may take longer, affecting academic planning and start dates.

Additionally, students who previously relied on SDS’s specific requirements, like high IELTS scores and prepaid tuition, must now meet broader study permit criteria, which could feel less predictable.

However, while the SDS closure slows processing, it could result in a fairer system and possibly a better match between students and institutions, though this remains a balancing act for Canadian immigration authorities and applicants alike.