Canada Ends Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express Programs

With effect from November 8, 2024, the Canadian government has ended the Student Direct Stream  (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs in an effort to guarantee fair and impartial access to study visa applications. For eligible post-secondary students from a few countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam, the SDS was introduced in 2018 with the goal of expediting processing. For Nigerian students, the NSE provided a comparable expedited procedure.

Canada’s resolve to improve program integrity, address student vulnerability and grow a pleasant academic experience for all overseas students is the driving force behind the decision to discontinue these programs. Students will continue to be processed under these streams if they submitted eligible SDS and NSE applications prior to 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024. Applications submitted after this date, however, will be handled under the standard research permission procedure.

Important Modifications:
Guaranteed Investment Certificates will be recognized as evidence of funding. All students must fulfill Canada’s standard standards for applying for a study permit, regardless of their nationality. Students from nations that have previously participated in the SDS or NSE projects will not have their eligibility for study permits negatively impacted.

Canada still welcomes international students from all over the world, even with the program adjustments. The administration guarantees that this change won’t affect the nation’s efforts to draw in top talent and encourage diversity in its educational establishments. It is recommended that potential students apply via the standard study permit route. Students can visit the official government website or speak with educational institutions for further details on the requirements and application process.

This modification represents a substantial change to Canada’s application procedure for international students. The nation’s dedication to equity, honesty and student achievement does not falter as it adjusts to changing educational environments.