Canada Shuts Down Student Direct Stream: What It Means for Future Students

Immediate Closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Effective Date: November 8, 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS), ceasing to accept any study permit applications through this expedited pathway. This change affects all prospective students previously eligible to apply under SDS criteria. Additionally, the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream has been discontinued for applicants from Nigeria.

Transition to Standard Study Permit Applications

Moving forward, all international students, regardless of their country of origin, must follow the standard application process to secure a Canadian study permit. The SDS, introduced in 2018 to streamline applications for students from specific countries, required applicants to provide both language test results and proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) valued at $20,635 CAD.

Adapting to New Processing Times

Historically, the SDS offered faster processing times and higher approval rates compared to the standard process. With SDS no longer an option, applicants are advised to prepare for longer processing times, which vary by country. For instance, as of November 8, the processing period for applications from India now averages eight weeks.

Recent Adjustments to Canada’s International Student Program

The federal government has introduced several regulatory measures in 2024 aimed at managing the number of temporary residents, including international students. Over the past year, IRCC has implemented the following updates:

• Capped Study Permits: In 2025, a limit of 437,000 new study permits, encompassing all levels of study, will be in place.
• New Language and Field of Study Requirements: Eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program now include specific language proficiency and field of study requirements.
• Restrictions on Spousal Work Permits: Eligibility for work permits for spouses of international students has been narrowed.
• Revised Cost-of-Living Requirements: Adjustments have been made to the financial threshold international students must meet to demonstrate their ability to support themselves in Canada.

These changes reflect Canada’s efforts to balance immigration levels and ensure sustainable integration of temporary residents. International students should review all current requirements carefully and plan their applications well in advance to account for any new conditions or processing times.