The Government of Canada has discontinued its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, affecting thousands of Indian students planning to study in Canada. The program, which previously allowed fast-track processing of study permits within weeks, will now be replaced by the standard application process, extending waiting times to 4-8 weeks. Effective November 8, 2024, this change particularly impacts college-bound students from Punjab as universities continue attracting students from other Indian regions. The move aligns with Canada’s new cap of 437,000 study permits for 2025, suggesting a strategic pivot towards prioritizing university-level education over diploma programs.
