The Canadian government canceled the Student Direct Stream (SDS) fast-track visa program, which is one fast-moving choice popular among Indian students to simplify their study permit application processes. This decision as of November 8 would immediately cause a significant stir, with the rest of the student pool worrying about their educational future.

The SDS program was implemented in 2018 to enable a faster, streamlined application process for students from India, China, Pakistan, and Brazil. This sudden cancellation of the program has resulted in chaos since many aspiring students are now dependent on the standard study permit procedure of Canada - possibly a long winding way that might conflict with academics' timelines.

How are students reacting to the visa change?

For the students well into their application process, the abrupt suspension of the SDS program leaves them all in a lurch. A Chandigarh resident was waiting to leave for Canada when she was left disappointed and frustrated by the whole affair. “I was trying to go to Canada but the situation is that Canada has stopped the visa,” she said. “That was not right because many Indian population want to go abroad for studies and the politics that is being used in this is also wrong.”

With the new requirement for Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letters (PAL or TAL) to register in designated learning institutions (DLIs), students are worried about its overall impact on their timetables. "It’s not right to stop visas midway. There are so many opportunities and dream jobs we will miss out on," she continued, emphasizing how this decision may hinder her goals. "Politics should not interfere," she added, pointing to diplomatic tensions as a potential factor.

Rahul Arora, visa counselor shared concerns about how the termination of the SDS could hinder students' plans and ambitions. “This decision will definitely have a negative impact. I think that the children's ambitions and dreams of going forward and studying, the dreams that they have been trying for years, will be hit by that. And I think that this is an adverse decision for both the countries,” Arora stated, pointing out the far-reaching consequences of the SDS’s cancellation.

Why was the SDS program launched?

The SDS program, which streamlined the process of applying for a visa, first aimed at international students of the countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. Reducing processing times, it became the fast-tracked route that a student took to study in Canada within no time.

The other comparable program for Nigerian students, the Nigerian Student Express (NSE), has also been canceled. Applications submitted before November 8, however, for both the SDS and the NSE will continue to be processed through the former, accelerated programs.

What's next for international students applying to Canada? 

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a statement emphasizing Canada’s commitment to "giving all international students equal and fair access to the application process for study permits." According to IRCC, the government aims to strengthen program integrity, protect students, and ensure that all applicants have a fair opportunity to achieve a positive academic experience in Canada.

This decision comes at a time when diplomatic tension between Canada and India continues to heighten. These tensions stem from allegations surrounding India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani figure Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, accusations that India has denied. IRCC did not make any linkage to SDS termination, but this political atmosphere makes people believe that changes in visas might have more to do with the overall tension.

Students and education consultants should also be accustomed to this sudden adjustment, a standard permit process in Canada will now be the new norm for applicants. Many are still hoping for something more streamlined to come out in the future, as they would love to pursue their dreams of studying in Canada.