In a significant policy change on 8th November 2024, Canada has shut down its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, effective immediately. The SDS, which was a fast-track visa pathway for international students from several countries, including India, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan, aimed to expedite the study permit process for eligible students.IRCC has also ended the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream for study permit applicants from Nigeria.
What Was the Student Direct Stream?
Launched in 2018, the SDS aimed to streamline and accelerate the visa application process for international students coming from specific countries with high application volumes. The program focused on students with strong financial and academic backgrounds, requiring them to meet criteria such as higher English or French proficiency and sufficient proof of financial support. In return, eligible applicants experienced faster processing times, often within 20 days.
Countries eligible for SDS included:
- China
- India
- Philippines
- Pakistan
- Vietnam, among others.
The SDS became a highly popular choice for students from these countries, particularly India, which represents one of Canada’s largest student demographics.
Recent Changes
The recent cancellation of Nigeria Student Express (NSE) and Student Direct Stream (SDS) in Canada represents a major step in strengthening the integrity of its immigration system. On November 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, this action went into effect. It was announced as part of a larger plan to safeguard international students and guarantee equitable opportunity for all candidates. Applications for study permits from nations that were formerly eligible for SDS and NSE will now only be processed through the regular study permit stream due to the termination of these programs.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) Remain an Option: While SDS and NSE provided an expedited pathway for applicants, students can still present a GIC as proof of financial readiness under the regular study permit process. This measure, familiar to SDS and NSE applicants, demonstrates that students have adequate funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses, meeting the financial support requirements of Canadian immigration.
- Application Standards Consistent Across All Countries: IRCC maintains that students from former SDS and NSE-eligible countries are still fully welcome to apply to Canadian institutions through the regular study permit process. The criteria—encompassing financial capacity, academic background, and language proficiency—remain consistent across all applicants, providing a standardized and accessible pathway to study in Canada.
- Honouring Previously Submitted SDS and NSE Applications: For applicants who managed to submit their applications via SDS or NSE before the November 8, 2024 deadline, IRCC will continue processing these under the former expedited guidelines. As of students applying after 8 November will have to apply under the regular study stream. This ensures that students who acted promptly will still benefit from the streamlined review process initially promised by these programs.
Why Canada Ended the SDS and NSE Programs
Canada’s recent decision to end the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs aims to enhance the integrity and transparency of its immigration system. By standardizing study permit applications under a single process, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ensures consistent, thorough reviews for all applicants.
The termination also addresses vulnerabilities in the system, as specialized streams had seen instances of fraud, misrepresentation, and exploitation. A unified application process enables better oversight, reducing risks for international students.
This change supports Canada’s commitment to fairness, giving applicants from all countries equal opportunity to study there. It also aims to improve the academic experience for international students, fostering a more supportive and secure system.
With a record 807,000 study visa holders in 2023, Ottawa is working to balance the benefits of its international education sector with the need to ease the strain on housing and public services.
What Are the Alternatives for International Students?
Although the SDS closure may be disappointing for many, students still have several options to pursue Canadian education:
- Regular Study Permit Program: Students from former SDS-eligible countries can apply for study permits through the regular program. However, they may face longer processing times and more rigorous documentation requirements.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some Canadian provinces offer immigration pathways specifically for students who complete post-secondary education within the province, providing a route to permanent residency after graduation.
- International Student Bridging Programs: Some institutions and provincial governments are exploring ways to support former SDS applicants by providing additional guidance and resources to navigate the traditional study permit process.
Shifts in Study Permit Approval Rates and Future Projections
In 2021 and 2022, Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants experienced approval rates nearly three times higher than non-SDS applicants—63% by the end of 2022, compared to just 19% for non-SDS applicants. This trend continued into early 2023, with approval rates for Indian SDS applicants reaching 73%, in stark contrast to a 10% rate for non-SDS applicants.
In September, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new cap for study permit issuance: 437,000 for 2025, a decrease from this year’s 485,000 target. The 2026 figure will align with the 2025 “stabilizing” cap. Canadian officials noted that these adjustments will take effect later in the year.
Reflecting these changes, study permits issued from April to June 2024 dropped to 125,020 from 148,140 in the same period in 2023. Permits for Indian students specifically fell from 70,340 to 55,940, though this number is still nearly double the total intake seen in 2015.
What Does This Mean for Canada’s Future as a Study Destination?
Canada’s education sector has relied on international students not only for diversity but also for economic contribution. The SDS program attracted top-tier students who, in addition to studying, contributed to Canada’s economy and filled workforce gaps post-graduation. With this closure, Canada’s appeal as a study destination might be affected, especially if alternative visa pathways are unable to compensate for the SDS’s advantages.
In conclusion, the end of SDS represents a turning point in Canada’s approach to international students. While the reasons for the closure center on security and management challenges, the ripple effects will be felt by students and educational institutions alike. International students and stakeholders in Canadian education will need to adjust to this new reality and explore alternative pathways that maintain Canada’s appeal as a top study destination.
