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The Canadian government has taken a significant step towards restricting international student access by ending the Student Direct Stream (SDS) scheme, a program designed to expedite study permit processing for students from select countries. The SDS, introduced in 2018, provided a streamlined pathway for students from 14 countries, including India and China, to obtain study permits within weeks. The standard route, however, often took eight weeks or longer for Indian applicants. This move has triggered considerable discussion and debate about Canada's future immigration policy and its impact on the country's education sector.
The termination of the SDS comes amidst growing concerns regarding the influx of international students and the potential strain it places on educational institutions' capacity to adequately support and integrate them. The increasing number of international students has sparked discussions about the availability of sufficient resources, including infrastructure, teaching staff, and accommodation, to accommodate the growing student population. The focus on ensuring quality education and student well-being, while simultaneously managing resources efficiently, appears to be driving the government's decision to revisit the SDS program.
Additionally, the move to end the SDS coincides with heightened anti-immigrant sentiment in Canada, exacerbated by economic challenges such as housing and job shortages. While the government has not explicitly attributed the decision to anti-immigrant sentiment, it is undeniable that the broader social context contributes to the ongoing dialogue about immigration policies. The termination of the SDS, coupled with other recent changes to the international student program, underscores the complexity of balancing economic, social, and educational considerations in shaping immigration policies.
Source: Canada shuts down fast-track visa application process for international students