- Canada has ended its fast-track study visa programme with immediate effect.
- This decision is likely to impact international students, including from India.
- The processing time under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) was much less and shorter. Its approval rate was high.
- This decision has been taken amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada.
- Around 4,27,000 Indian students are studying in Canada. India is the largest source country of foreign students for Canada.
- The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible postsecondary students.
- This streamlined process allowed applicants from countries such as India, China, and the Philippines to enter Canada faster.
By 2027, Canada will accept only 17,400 new non-permanent residents.