Changes in Canadas' Study Permit: End of SDS and NSE.

In a recent update from the Canadian government, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) application processes have officially ended as of November 8, 2024. These programs, which began in 2018, were designed to provide faster study permit processing for students from certain countries, including India, China, and Nigeria. Now, the Canadian government has decided to consolidate these processes, allowing all international students to apply through a single, regular study permit stream.

This change aims to ensure that every student applying for a Canadian study permit is given equal and fair access to the process. Here’s a simple guide on what this means for future applicants and what steps to take if you were planning to apply under SDS or NSE.

Table of Contents

Why the SDS and NSE Programs Were Ended

The Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express were created to help eligible students from select countries get faster responses on their study permit applications. However, Canada is now focusing on creating a level playing field for all students by making a unified application process. This means that every international student, regardless of nationality, will now apply through the same regular study permit process.

According to the government, this shift will:

Strengthen the integrity of Canada’s student application process,
Ensure fair access to Canadian study permits for all international students, and
Help all students have a positive academic experience in Canada.

What This Means for Prospective Students

If you planned to apply under SDS or NSE, here’s what you need to know:

Applications Submitted Before the Change: If you sent your application before November 8, 2024, Canada will still process it under the SDS or NSE system as per the original requirements.
New Applications After November 8, 2024: From this point forward, all applications—regardless of country—must go through the regular study permit process.

How the Regular Study Permit Process Works

Under the regular process, students still need to provide proof of financial support. This proof can include a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), a type of secure Canadian bank investment often used by international students to show they have the funds needed to live and study in Canada.

There are no additional eligibility requirements for students who were previously eligible under SDS or NSE. The requirements remain the same, so students will still need to meet Canada’s general study permit criteria, which include:

Admission to a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI),
Financial proof, and
Required documents like medical exams or biometrics, depending on the country of residence.

Next Steps for Students and Counselors

Apply Early: With all applications now going through the regular process, students should start the application process early to account for processing times.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and follow their announcements for any future changes to the process.

This shift to a unified application system is intended to make the study permit process fairer for all international students. If you’re looking to study in Canada, make sure to prepare early, complete all the necessary documents, and follow Canada’s guidelines closely to ensure a smooth process.