On November 8, 2024 IRCC declared that it will no longer be accepting study permit applications submitted under the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
The SDS program was launched in 2018, to speed up study permit applications which will now be replaced by a regular study permit process. This program was specifically designed to address 14 countries - Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
According to the Canadian Government, the reason behind discontinuing this SDS program is to maintain equality among all students and provide fair access to the application process.
Impact on Students from SDS
Although the SDS program specifically had higher approval rates and faster application processing times but due to its discontinuation, all the students regardless they applied for SDS or NSE after 2:00 PM ET on November 8, 2024 are required to meet Canada’s Study permit application requirements which may require a longer time.
In a nutshell, this change does not bring adverse effects on applicants from SDS. The good news is that Canada will still continue to welcome international students from all over the world. It is accepting students from India also who wish to study in their dream University with their desired courses .
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