Canada has officially closed the pathway for international students to transition from study permits to permanent residency under its latest immigration policy changes.
The new regulation mandates that international students must return to their home countries upon the expiration of their study visas, signaling a significant shift in the country’s immigration framework.
Additionally, Canada will terminate the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program and suspend asylum claims linked to such pathways.
The announcement was made by Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, during an interview on Tuesday, where he addressed the challenges facing international students and the evolving immigration policies.
The decision follows protests by international students across Canada, who demanded a streamlined process for transitioning from study permits to permanent residency or securing an extension to their stay.
Responding to these demands, Miller clarified, “When people come here and decide they want to be students, there are no guarantees to become permanent residents.”
He further emphasized the distinction between study permits and resident permits, adding, “While students have a right to protest, the priority of Canada’s immigration policies is to maintain balance and order in the system.”
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, launched in 2018, was originally designed to expedite the processing of study permits for eligible students within 20 days.
It catered to applicants from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Morocco, and several Caribbean and South American nations.
The program, which had aimed to ease political tensions and encourage international education, will now be discontinued as part of the broader policy reforms.
