As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure fairness and equity in the study permit application process, the Government of Canada has announced the end of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program. This change, effective as of 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the application process and ensuring that all international students have equal access to study permit opportunities.

What Is Changing?

Launched in 2018, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) was designed to expedite the study permit process for students from select countries. Over time, the program expanded to include residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. Similarly, Nigeria had its own dedicated process with the Nigeria Student Express (NSE), aimed at speeding up study permit processing for students from the country.

However, to ensure a fair and consistent application process for all prospective students, Canada has decided to discontinue both the SDS and NSE programs. Going forward, all students wishing to study in Canada must apply through the regular study permit stream, which accepts Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) as proof of financial support.

Impact on Students

For Prospective Students Who Applied Before November 8, 2024:

Applications submitted before 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8 will still be processed under the SDS or NSE program, depending on the applicant's country of origin. This means that students from eligible countries will continue to benefit from the fast processing times associated with these programs.

For Applications Submitted After November 8, 2024:

Study permit applications received after 2:00 p.m. ET will be processed under the regular study permit stream. However, the termination of the SDS and NSE programs does not mean a disadvantage for students. All applicants, whether or not they were eligible for the SDS or NSE, will continue to be assessed based on Canada’s regular study permit application requirements.

Why the Change?

Canada’s primary goal with this change is to promote equal and fair access to the study permit process. By streamlining the application process for all international students, the government aims to ensure that no student is given preferential treatment over another, while also maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.

Moreover, by removing separate streams for specific countries, Canada aims to create a more consistent and transparent experience for all students applying for a study permit, regardless of their nationality.

What’s Next for Students?

For students who were previously eligible for the SDS or NSE, there is no need to worry. The change in processing does not affect the eligibility of students from these countries. Students are still required to meet Canada’s standard study permit application requirements, which include submitting proof of financial support and other documentation as per the regular process.

Additionally, students can continue to apply for a study permit through the regular study permit stream, which remains open to applicants worldwide. Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) remain an acceptable form of proof of financial support for students applying for study permits under this stream.

How Can Students Apply Now?

Prospective students should begin by reviewing the standard study permit requirements and ensure they have all the necessary documentation in place. The application process for the regular study permit stream is straightforward, and applicants can submit their applications online or through a VAC (Visa Application Center).

If you're a student planning to study in Canada, now is a great time to start your application. Ensure you have all your financial documentation, including a GIC, to demonstrate your ability to support yourself while studying.

Conclusion

While the discontinuation of the SDS and NSE programs marks a significant change in the way Canada processes study permit applications, it is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to maintain a fair and transparent immigration system for all international students. By applying through the regular study permit stream, students from around the world can still achieve their goal of studying in Canada.

If you are an international student planning to apply for a study permit, it's important to stay informed and up-to-date on the new changes. Should you need guidance or support during the application process, consider reaching out to an immigration consultant or legal professional who can assist you with your application.

For more information on the study permit application process, visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.