Canada discontinues fast-track student visas after ending 10-year multiple-entry visas
What's the story
Canada has suddenly scrapped its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, effective November 8. The SDS was introduced in 2018 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to fast-track study permit processing for students from 14 countries, including India, China, and the Philippines. The simplified process enabled successful applicants to obtain study permits within weeks instead of the usual eight-week processing time for Indian applicants.
Policy shift
New policy aims to manage international student population
The end of the SDS is part of Canada's efforts to rein in its international student population amid housing and resource strains. The government has capped 437,000 new study permits for 2025, across all education levels, including postgraduate programs. This policy shift comes after a record number of 807,000 study permit holders hosted by Canada in 2023.
Regulation changes
Stricter requirements and limited work permits introduced
Along with the SDS termination, Canada has also imposed stricter language and academic requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Work permits for spouses of international students have been restricted, and financial proof requirements have been tightened. As a result of these policy changes, international students now have to deal with longer wait times and stricter eligibility standards. Advisors recommend students start their visa planning much earlier than before to navigate the new, more restrictive landscape.
Tourist visas
Canada ends automatic 10-year tourist visas
Canada has also ended the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas. Under the new guidelines, immigration officers have been given more discretion to issue shorter visas based on individual assessments. Earlier, all applicants were automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa, which allowed visitors to enter Canada multiple times within a 10-year period. Now, officers will decide whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa based on need. The duration of these visas may vary according to the traveler's circumstances.