Maple News reports that, as of November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS), halting all new study permit applications under this fast-track option. In addition, the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program has also been terminated, affecting Nigerian applicants who previously benefited from expedited processing.
Launched in 2018, the SDS was designed to help students from 14 eligible countries — including India, China, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Nigeria — obtain study permits more efficiently. The stream required applicants to meet specific criteria, including presenting language test results and securing a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least $20,635 CAD. These measures were intended to demonstrate financial preparedness and communication skills in advance.
With the retirement of both SDS and NSE streams, students from affected countries must now use the regular study permit application process. This standard route typically involves longer wait times and potentially lower approval rates. For instance, IRCC currently estimates that processing times for study permits from India are around eight weeks, though times vary by region and application volume.
The closure of SDS and NSE reflects broader changes in Canada’s international education policies in 2024. IRCC has introduced multiple reforms aimed at managing the number of temporary residents in Canada, including those on study and work permits. A national cap of 437,000 for new study permit approvals will be enforced in 2025, covering all categories of students, including master’s and PhD candidates.
Additional reforms this year have reshaped eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), limiting pathways based on field of study and institution type. IRCC has also tightened rules around spousal open work permits and increased the minimum financial requirement for international students to reflect updated cost-of-living estimates.
These policy shifts, Maple News notes, may increase wait times, limit work opportunities for international students and their families, and restrict access to postgraduate work programs in Canada. International students who planned to rely on SDS or NSE should begin the application process as early as possible to account for longer timelines and new requirements.
While the tighter controls may enhance integrity across the study permit system, they could also influence prospective students’ decision-making as they weigh their options for international education.
Maple News will continue to provide updates and expert insights on Canada’s evolving study visa policies.