Canada Halts Expedited Student Visas

Canada has officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) visa programs, effective immediately.

These programs, which were established to expedite study permit processing for eligible students from specific countries, have been phased out to ensure a more equitable and streamlined application process for all international students.

The termination of SDS and NSE comes as part of Canada’s broader commitment to improving the integrity of its immigration system, reducing vulnerabilities faced by international students, and levelling the playing field for all applicants.

As of 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 regular study permit stream.

What Was the Student Direct Strem (SDS)?

The SDS was launched in 2018 with the goal of simplifying and expediting study permit processing for students from selected countries.

Eligible applicants from countries like India, China, the Philippines, and several other nations benefited from faster processing times, provided they met specific criteria, including financial and academic requirements.

In addition to India and China, students from Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam could apply through SDS.

This streamlined process allowed qualified students to enter Canada faster, typically within a few weeks, rather than waiting for the standard processing time, which could take several months.

Nigeria Student Express (NSE) for Nigerian Students

In recognition of the high demand from Nigerian students seeking Canadian education, Canada launched the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program.

The NSE mirrored the SDS in design, offering Nigerian applicants a faster route to obtain study permits. Since its inception, the NSE has made it easier for thousands of Nigerian students to fulfill their dreams of studying in Canada.

However, as of November 8, 2024, new Nigerian applicants must now apply via the regular study permit stream, similar to applicants from all other countries.

Why Canada Ended SDS and NSE

The Canadian government has cited several reasons for the discontinuation of these programs:

1. Strengthening Program Integrity: By ending SDS and NSE, IRCC aims to reinforce the reliability and transparency of its immigration processes.
   • Streamlining the study permit application process ensures that all applications undergo a consistent and thorough review.
2. Addressing Vulnerabilities in the System: The immigration department has noted that international students sometimes face challenges related to fraud, misrepresentation, and exploitation.
   • With the elimination of specialized streams, the government can better monitor the study permit process, reducing instances of abuse and exploitation.
3. Ensuring Equal Opportunity for All Applicants: Canada’s reputation as an inclusive and diverse nation has attracted students from around the globe.
   • To maintain fairness, IRCC is now offering a uniform study permit process, allowing applicants from all countries to have an equal opportunity to study in Canada.
4. Enhancing the Academic Experience for International Students: Beyond simply facilitating entry into Canada, the government aims to provide international students with a positive academic journey.
   • By refining the application process and setting consistent standards, Canada hopes to attract students with a genuine commitment to education.

Transition to the Regular Study Permit Stream

With SDS and NSE no longer in effect, all prospective students must now apply through the regular study permit stream.

Here’s what this change means for international students:

• Use of Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs): The regular study permit application process still allows applicants to provide proof of financial support through a GIC, a measure that was previously a key requirement of SDS and NSE.
  • By showing sufficient financial support, applicants demonstrate their ability to afford their studies and living expenses.
• Application Requirements Remain Unchanged: Students from former SDS and NSE-eligible countries are still welcome to apply for study permits, and the eligibility requirements for Canada’s study permit remain consistent across all applications.
  • Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has established financial, academic, and language proficiency standards that applicants must meet.
• Existing Applications Still Honoured: For students who submitted their SDS or NSE applications prior to the 2:00 p.m. ET cut-off on November 8, 2024, IRCC will process those applications under the guidelines of SDS or NSE, ensuring that those students retain the benefits of the expedited streams.

Impact on Students from Key Markets Like India and Nigeria

For students from India, Nigeria, and other high-demand countries, the discontinuation of SDS and NSE means longer processing times may be expected.

The streamlined SDS and NSE processing had significantly reduced wait times for eligible students, a benefit that will now be lost under the regular study permit stream.

However, Canada continues to actively encourage students from these regions to apply and assures that the study permit process will still accommodate students who meet the necessary requirements.

Canadian universities and colleges are known globally for their quality of education, attracting over 800,000 international students annually.

IRCC emphasized that Canada will continue to welcome students from all over the world, offering them opportunities to pursue their educational and professional goals.

By consolidating the study permit application process, IRCC aims to enhance the overall experience for international students, providing a fair and secure pathway to higher education.

Next Steps for Prospective Students

For prospective students planning to study in Canada, here are some essential next steps:

1. Submit Applications via the Regular Study Permit Stream: All new applications, regardless of the applicant’s country of residence, must be filed under the regular study permit category.
2. Financial Documentation: Prospective students should prepare to submit documentation proving their financial capability, including GICs or other accepted proofs of funds to meet the financial requirements.
3. Stay Updated on Policy Changes: Applicants are advised to regularly check the IRCC website or consult with authorized immigration advisors to stay informed on any additional updates regarding study permits.

Canada’s decision to end the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express is a clear move towards a more unified immigration approach.

As Canada shifts to a standardized application process, the government hopes to make the study permit system more robust and accessible.

While the decision may result in longer wait times, it reinforces Canada’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and integrity in its immigration system.

The end of SDS and NSE marks a new era in Canada’s international student program.

While the programs offered fast-track benefits to many students, Canada’s revamped approach aims to bring equity to the system, inviting students from around the world to pursue their studies on an even playing field.

By addressing vulnerabilities and promoting fair access, Canada is shaping an academic environment where all international students can thrive and succeed.

Prospective students interested in studying in Canada should familiarize themselves with the updated processes and plan accordingly to meet application requirements well in advance.
Canada Halts Expedited Student Visas

GFK Immigration
Gboyega Esan RCIC R708591
Phone: +1 (647) 225-0092

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