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IRCC Ends Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) Programs
As of November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ceased accepting study permit applications under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs. This decision marks a significant shift in Canada’s approach to managing international student applications, particularly impacting students from countries like India, China, and Nigeria.
Background on SDS and NSE
The SDS was launched in 2018 to expedite study permit processing for international students from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. It was a popular option due to higher approval rates and faster processing times. Applicants were required to meet stringent conditions, such as language test results and proof of a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $20,635 CAD.
The Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream, on the other hand, was tailored specifically for Nigerian students, offering similar expedited processing with country-specific documentation requirements.
Why IRCC is Ending These Programs
The discontinuation of SDS and NSE comes as part of Canada’s broader strategy to manage and regulate the number of temporary residents, including international students. Over the past few years, the country has seen a surge in study permit applications, leading to challenges in processing capacity and concerns about maintaining sustainable immigration levels.
By ending these programs, IRCC aims to standardize the study permit application process, ensuring fairness and consistency. Furthermore, Canada appears to be adjusting its focus on diversifying the pool of international students, placing less emphasis on traditional source countries like India and China.
Our Take on This Development: IRCC seems to be signaling a strategic shift. With India and China now “out” of the expedited streams, there is an implicit suggestion that other nationalities may benefit from potentially smoother and more favorable study permit processing conditions. This decision may pave the way for applicants from less represented countries to have more streamlined access to Canadian study permits.
Implications for Prospective Students
All study permit applications must now be submitted through the standard application process, which generally has longer wait times compared to the expedited SDS and NSE streams. For example, the current average processing time for applications from India stands at eight weeks. Prospective students from former SDS and NSE countries will need to prepare for significant changes and longer wait times.
What You Need to Know:
- Longer Processing Times: With SDS and NSE no longer available, processing times for study permits will revert to the standard, country-specific timelines.
- Updated Strategies: Applicants are advised to start the application process as early as possible, meticulously preparing documentation to avoid delays.
Broader Changes to Canada’s International Student Program
The end of SDS and NSE is part of a series of measures introduced by IRCC to better control the flow of international students and temporary residents. Some other notable changes include:
- Cap on Study Permits: In 2025, Canada will implement a cap of 437,000 new study permits, which includes students enrolled in master’s and PhD programs.
- Eligibility Updates: New language and field-of-study requirements have been introduced for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.
- Limited Spousal Work Permits: Restrictions have been imposed on work permits for spouses of international students.
- Updated Financial Requirements: International students must now meet revised cost-of-living requirements when applying for a Canadian study permit.
Conclusion
The termination of the SDS and NSE programs represents a major shift in how Canada manages international student applications. Prospective students, especially from India, China, and Nigeria, should be prepared for significant changes in their application experience. The upside? These changes might offer more opportunities for applicants from other, less represented nations.
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Despite these changes, there are still opportunities to make your Canadian study and work dreams a reality. NohProblem Consulting specializes in providing expert guidance and personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs.
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