Breaking News: IRCC Shuts Down the Student Direct Stream, Effective Immediately

As of November 8th, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will no longer accept study permit applications under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) or the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream for applicants from Nigeria.

Moving forward, all study permit applications must be submitted through the standard application process.

This change applies immediately, and prospective students should now follow the regular procedures for applying for study permits.

The SDS program was known for its higher approval rates and faster processing times compared to the standard study permit application process. With the closure of the SDS, students who were planning to apply through this stream should now expect longer processing times.

Regular study permit processing times can vary by country. For example, as of November 8th, the average processing time for applications submitted from India is now 8 weeks.

Recent Changes to Canada’s International Student Program

Canada has made significant changes to its international student program, affecting how students apply for study permits.

1. Closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
   As of November 8th, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has discontinued the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which was designed to expedite study permit applications for students from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Students who were planning to apply under SDS must now use the standard application process.
2. End of the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) Stream
   IRCC has also ended the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream, which allowed faster processing for study permit applicants from Nigeria.
3. Longer Processing Times
   With the closure of the SDS and NSE streams, students can expect longer processing times for study permits. For instance, as of November 8th, 2024, the average processing time for study permit applications from India is now 8 weeks. Processing times may vary by country and individual case.
4. New Requirements for Standard Applications
   Moving forward, all study permit applications will follow the standard application process, which could involve additional documentation and longer wait times compared to the previous expedited streams.

International students planning to study in Canada should stay informed of these changes and adjust their application plans accordingly.

New Measures Announced for Canada’s International Student Program in 2024

In 2024, the Canadian federal government has introduced new measures aimed at managing the number of temporary residents, including study and work permit holders, in the country. These changes are part of efforts to better control immigration levels and ensure that Canada’s temporary resident programs align with current policy goals.

Some of the key adjustments include:

• Changes to Study Permit Streams: The closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream has led to the shift of applicants to the standard study permit application process. As a result, processing times may increase and additional documentation may be required.
• Focus on Temporary Resident Levels: The government is focusing on regulating the number of temporary residents, including international students, to better manage immigration flows. This could involve stricter requirements or new processes for applicants.
• Possible Impact on Work Permits: Along with study permits, there may be changes to work permit policies, particularly for international students looking to gain work experience while studying in Canada.

These new measures reflect Canada’s broader strategy to balance the benefits of welcoming international students with the need to manage population growth and immigration levels effectively. International students planning to come to Canada should stay updated on these changes and adjust their application strategies accordingly.

As part of its ongoing efforts to manage immigration levels, Canada has introduced several new measures to its international student program for 2024 and 2025. These changes are aimed at controlling the number of temporary residents, including study and work permit holders, in the country.

Key changes include:

1. Cap on New Study Permits
   Starting in 2025, Canada will cap the number of new study permits issued at 437,000, which will also include applications from master’s and PhD students. This measure is designed to manage the number of international students entering Canada.
2. New Language and Field of Study Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
   New eligibility criteria have been introduced for students seeking a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This includes specific requirements related to the language of instruction and the field of study, which may limit eligibility for some students.
3. Limitations on Work Permits for Spouses of International Students
   The availability of work permits for spouses of international students has been reduced. Under the new rules, spouses may have fewer opportunities to obtain work permits while their partner studies in Canada.
4. Updated Cost-of-Living Requirement
   The cost-of-living requirement for international students applying for a Canadian study permit has been updated. This adjustment reflects rising living costs and ensures that students have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their studies in Canada.

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