Canada's fast-track visa scrapped for international students from 14 countries

The Canadian government has officially ended its fast-track visa program for international students from 14 countries.

The decision to end the program is in keeping with the government's goal to limit the number of international students coming to Canada. However, the decision will impact thousands of prospective students.

According to the University of British Columbia website, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program that expedites applications for study permits for international students who meet eligibility requirements.

SDS was open to residents of 14 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. Prospective university students from Nigeria had a similar process with the Nigeria Student Express (NSE). The last day to apply was November 8, 2024.

"On March 21, 2024, Minister Miller announced a reduction of the temporary residents (TR) population in Canada over the next three years to 5 per cent of the population," stated a representative for the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). "This work towards TR reductions has already begun through a series of measures that have been introduced over the course of 2024."

She pointed out that although the fast-track program is no longer an option, this will not affect the eligibility of potential students from the 14 countries included in the now-closed program.

"Those who wish to apply for a study permit can still do so through our regular study permit stream," she stated.

This is among the latest changes that affect international students.

As of November 1, IRCC implemented changes to the eligibility criteria for post-graduation work permits (PGWP). Students require a work permit to work in Canada after graduating; however, as per the changes, students will only be eligible if they graduate from a list of approved programs.