Canada has officially discontinued both the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) visa programs, effective immediately. These initiatives, which were designed to fast-track study permit processing for students from select countries, have now been phased out. The move aims to create a more equitable and efficient application process for all international students.
The termination of the SDS and NSE programs is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the integrity of its immigration system, protect international students from potential risks, and ensure fairer access to study permits for applicants from around the world.
Starting at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 8, 2024, all new study permit applications from former SDS and NSE-eligible countries will be processed through the standard study permit application stream. This change is designed to offer a more balanced and consistent process for international students seeking to study in Canada.
What Was the Purpose of the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program was introduced in 2018 with the aim of streamlining and accelerating the study permit application process for students from select countries.
Students from nations like India, China, the Philippines, and other eligible countries could benefit from quicker processing times, provided they met specific requirements such as proof of financial stability and academic qualifications.
Along with India and China, the SDS was available to applicants from countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
Why Canada Discontinued the SDS and NSE Programs
The Canadian government has provided several key reasons for discontinuing the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs:
1. Strengthening Program Integrity
By ending the SDS and NSE, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to enhance the transparency and trustworthiness of its immigration procedures. The removal of these specialized streams ensures a more consistent and thorough review of all study permit applications.
2. Addressing System Vulnerabilities
The IRCC has acknowledged that international students can sometimes face issues such as fraud, misrepresentation, and exploitation during the study permit process. With the discontinuation of these expedited programs, the government can more effectively monitor and manage applications, reducing the risk of abuse.
3. Ensuring Equal Opportunity for All Applicants
Canada’s inclusive and diverse reputation has made it a top destination for students worldwide. To uphold fairness, the Canadian government has transitioned to a single, standardized study permit process, providing all international students—regardless of their country of origin—an equal opportunity to apply for study permits.
4. Enhancing the Academic Experience for International Students
The Canadian government is committed not only to facilitating entry for international students but also to fostering a positive and enriching academic experience. By refining the application process and implementing consistent standards, Canada seeks to attract students who are genuinely dedicated to their education, ensuring a high-quality experience for all.
Shift to the Standard Study Permit Process
With the discontinuation of the SDS and NSE programs, all future applicants must now submit their study permit applications through the standard process.
Here’s what this change means for international students:
1. Use of Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs)
Under the regular study permit stream, applicants can still provide proof of financial support through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)—a requirement that was previously part of the SDS and NSE programs. By demonstrating financial stability through a GIC, students can show they have sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs while studying in Canada.
2. Consistent Application Requirements
Students from countries previously eligible for the SDS and NSE programs can still apply for study permits through the standard process. The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Canadian study permit remain the same for all applicants, regardless of the country of origin. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to require that applicants meet specific financial, academic, and language proficiency standards.
3. Existing Applications Will Be Processed Under Previous Guidelines
For students who submitted their applications under the SDS or NSE programs before 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, those applications will still be processed according to the former expedited guidelines. This ensures that applicants who applied before the cutoff will retain the benefits of the SDS and NSE programs, including faster processing times.
Effect on Students from Major Markets Like India and Nigeria
For students from India, Nigeria, and other popular study destinations, the end of the SDS and NSE programs means longer processing times for study permits. These programs previously offered faster processing for eligible applicants, a benefit that will no longer be available through the standard study permit stream.
While the elimination of these expedited programs may lead to extended wait times, Canada remains committed to welcoming students from these regions. The study permit process will still be accessible to applicants who meet the required financial, academic, and language standards.
Canada’s world-renowned universities and colleges continue to attract over 800,000 international students each year, offering high-quality education and valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reassured international students that despite these changes, Canada will continue to offer an inclusive and transparent study permit process. The streamlined approach is designed to provide a fair, secure, and consistent pathway to higher education in Canada.
Next Steps for Aspiring International Students
For students hoping to study in Canada, here are the key steps to follow as you prepare your application:
1. Apply Through the Standard Study Permit Process
All new study permit applications, regardless of the applicant’s country of residence, must now be submitted under the regular study permit stream.
2. Prepare Financial Documentation
Prospective students should be ready to provide proof of financial support. This may include Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) or other accepted documents to demonstrate the ability to cover tuition fees and living expenses while studying in Canada.
3. Stay Informed on Policy Updates
Applicants should regularly check the IRCC website or consult with authorized immigration advisors to stay up-to-date on any new developments or changes to the study permit process.
Canada’s decision to discontinue the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) is part of a broader effort to create a more consistent and unified immigration system.
By moving to a single, standardized application process, the Canadian government aims to strengthen the study permit system and make it more accessible to all international students.
While this shift may lead to longer processing times for some applicants, it reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to transparency, fairness, and integrity within its immigration policies.
The conclusion of SDS and NSE marks a new chapter for Canada’s international student program. Though these programs once offered expedited processing, the new approach ensures a more equitable and streamlined experience for all students.
By addressing potential vulnerabilities and promoting fair access to study permits, Canada is fostering an academic environment where students from across the globe can thrive.
Prospective international students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated application process and prepare in advance to meet all necessary requirements.
