By Crystal Nwakanma
Canada has officially ended the option for international students to convert their study permits into permanent residency under its latest immigration policy changes.
The new regulation requires international students to return to their home countries after their study visas expire, effectively closing a pathway that previously allowed students to transition to permanent residency.
Additionally, Canada has announced the termination of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program and the suspension of asylum claims tied to such immigration pathways.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, confirmed the changes during a Tuesday interview, addressing the nation’s evolving immigration policies and challenges faced by international students.
The announcement follows widespread protests by international students across Canada, who have called for a simplified process to transition from study permits to permanent residency or for extended stay options.
“When people come here and decide they want to be students, there are no guarantees to become permanent residents,” Miller stated in response to the protests. He clarified that study permits and resident permits are distinct, adding that Canada’s immigration policies prioritize balance and order in the system.