Canada has officially ended the pathway for international students to convert their study permits into permanent residency under new immigration regulations.

The updated policy requires international students to return to their home countries upon the expiration of their study visas, effectively ending programs that previously allowed non-citizens with study permits to transition into permanent residency.

Additionally, the government has announced the termination of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program and the suspension of asylum claims linked to such immigration pathways.

Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, confirmed the changes during an interview on Tuesday, addressing the growing concerns and protests by international students seeking a streamlined process to remain in the country.

“When people come here and decide they want to be students, there are no guarantees to become permanent residents,” Miller stated, emphasizing the distinction between study permits and residency. He added that while students have a right to voice their concerns, Canada’s immigration policies prioritize maintaining balance and order.

The SDS program, launched in 2018, was designed to fast-track the processing of study permits within 20 days for eligible students from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Initially introduced to ease political tensions, the program will now be discontinued as part of the government’s revised immigration framework.

The announcement follows recent protests by international students across Canada, demanding either a smoother transition to permanent residency or an extension of their stay. Despite the backlash, the government remains firm in its decision, underscoring the need for clear boundaries in immigration policies.