End of the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express: What It Means for International Students
November 11, 2024 Amritpal Kaur
In a significant move aimed at ensuring fair access to study permits for all international students, Canada has announced the end of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs.
Background on SDS and NSE
The Student Direct Stream was launched in 2018 to expedite the processing of study permits for eligible post-secondary students from specific countries. Over time, the SDS was extended to include legal residents from countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. Similarly, the Nigeria Student Express was tailored specifically for prospective university students from Nigeria, providing a streamlined application process.
Reasons for the Change
Canada's goal with this change is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and ensure that all students have equal and fair access to the application process. This shift is also designed to promote a positive academic experience for all international students.
What This Means for Prospective Students
As of 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, the SDS and NSE initiatives have officially ended. Here’s what prospective students need to know:
Application Process: Moving forward, students will need to apply through the regular study permit stream. This standard process continues to accept Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) as proof of financial support, which allows students to demonstrate that they have adequate funds for their studies in Canada.
Processing of Current Applications: Applications for SDS and NSE that were submitted before the deadline will still be processed under those programs. However, any study permit applications submitted on or after this time will be handled under the regular study permit process.
Eligibility: This change does not negatively impact the eligibility of applicants from countries where the SDS or NSE were previously offered. All students, regardless of their past eligibility for these initiatives, must meet the standard study permit application requirements set by Canada.
Commitment to International Students
Canada continues to emphasize its commitment to welcoming international students from around the world. The end of the SDS and NSE programs is a step towards creating a more equitable application process, ensuring that all prospective students have a fair chance to pursue their education in Canada.
In a nutshell, while the fast-track options for study permits have been discontinued, Canada remains dedicated to supporting international students through a streamlined and fair application process.