Student Direct Stream Closed: What It Means for International Students: On November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made a significant announcement regarding its study permit application process. The IRCC has officially terminated the Student Direct Stream (SDS), as well as the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program, effective immediately. This abrupt policy change means that all new study permit applications must now be submitted through the standard application process, which may impact processing times and requirements for international students planning to study in Canada.
What Was the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
Launched in 2018, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) was designed to expedite study permit applications for international students from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. This program provided a faster route for students by requiring specific documentation, such as proof of funds in the form of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least CAD 20,635, as well as valid language test scores. The goal of the SDS was to support students from these countries by offering faster processing times for their study permits. However, as of today, all applications must follow the standard process, which could be a longer and more stringent procedure for prospective students.
Impact on Nigerian Applicants
Similarly, the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream, which facilitated quicker processing for study permits from Nigeria, has also been discontinued. Moving forward, Nigerian applicants will have to use the standard study permit route without any expedited options, which might lead to increased wait times and additional documentation requirements.
Implications for Prospective Students
This sudden policy shift is expected to affect thousands of international students planning to study in Canada. Without the SDS and NSE, students may face longer processing times and more rigorous application reviews, making it critical for applicants to plan ahead. The reasons for these closures have not been explicitly clarified by the IRCC; however, it is speculated that it may relate to recent adjustments in Canada’s international student policies aimed at managing the influx of foreign students amidst ongoing changes in immigration caps and permit regulations.
What Should Students Do Next?
Students planning to apply for Canadian study permits should now:
- Review the Standard Study Permit Requirements: Make sure to meet the new standard study permit documentation, which may differ from the previous SDS requirements.
- Prepare for Longer Processing Times: Without the expedited stream, it is advisable to apply well in advance to accommodate potentially longer wait times.
- Explore Other Canadian Visa Options: Depending on your situation, there may be other pathways, such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or other immigration routes available to students after completing their studies.
For more updates, it’s important to stay informed by checking official IRCC announcements and consulting with authorized immigration consultants to navigate the evolving study permit landscape in Canada.
These changes are part of broader updates to Canada’s immigration policies, which are constantly being reviewed and adjusted to balance the influx of international students and the capacity of Canadian institutions.
Note: Be sure to consult IRCC’s official website for the most accurate and updated information.
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