Canada has announced the immediate closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, along with the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) initiative, effective November 8, 2024. The decision is part of Canada’s broader efforts to ensure fairness and integrity in its immigration and international student programs.
Student Direct Stream
Launched in 2018, the SDS was designed to expedite study permit applications for eligible students from 14 countries, including Pakistan, India, China, and the Philippines. This streamlined process aimed to process permits within 20 calendar days for applicants meeting specific criteria, such as language proficiency and financial proof through a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). The GIC requirement, initially CAD 10,000, was raised to CAD 20,635 in 2023 to reflect increased living costs.
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The program gained popularity, especially among Indian students, who overwhelmingly preferred it due to faster processing times and higher approval rates. By early 2023, Indian SDS applicants achieved a 76% approval rate, compared to a mere 8% for those applying through the standard stream.
Why Canada Closed SDS and NSE
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cited the need to enhance program integrity, eliminate vulnerabilities, and ensure equitable access to study permits as the primary reasons for ending these initiatives. The government aims to standardize the application process across all regions to promote fairness while maintaining its commitment to welcoming international students.
A statement from the IRCC emphasized that while the SDS and NSE programs are ending, applicants can still apply through the regular study permit stream, which accepts GICs as proof of financial capability.
Implications for Prospective Students
The closure of SDS and NSE means that international students, including those from Pakistan, India, and Nigeria, will now face longer processing times through the regular study permit application process. This change could impact students’ ability to plan their academic journeys efficiently.
Processing Times:
The SDS offered expedited approvals within 20 days, while regular processing times now vary by country. For instance, as of November 2024, applications from India take an average of eight weeks to process.
Financial and Documentation Requirements:
Students applying through the regular stream will still need to meet Canada’s updated financial requirements and provide proof of sufficient funds. These adjustments reflect Canada’s intent to ensure that students can support themselves during their studies.
Canada’s Changing Landscape for International Students
The SDS closure aligns with broader reforms in Canada’s immigration policies aimed at managing temporary resident numbers. These include:
- A cap on new study permits set at 437,000 for 2025, covering master’s and PhD applicants.
- Revised eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.
- Restrictions on work permits for spouses of international students.
- Updated cost-of-living requirements for study permit applications.
Despite these changes, Canada remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment for international students.
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While the end of SDS and NSE marks a significant transition, Canada has assured that applications submitted before the November 8 deadline will still be processed under these streams. The IRCC emphasized that the closure would not adversely impact students’ eligibility to apply under the regular stream, reaffirming Canada’s dedication to offering equitable opportunities to international students.