Summary
- Henceforth the government wants all international students to enjoy the same opportunities, and no favorable nation status to benefit students from a few countries.
- The Canadian government wants to create a process that is standardized and applies to students from every nation.
- In the short run at least it may lead to longer waiting times, as expedited options that offered student visas in three weeks are no longer available.
Canada’s New Study Permit Rules: What International Students Need to Know
On November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced an immediate end to the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs.
These programs were created in 2018 to speed up the study permit process for international students from certain countries.
The end of this swift intake program marks an enormous change in Canada’s strategy for admitting international students. The Canadian government wants to create a process that is standardized and applies to students from every nation.
Understanding the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
The SDS program started in 2018. It was designed to offer faster processing times for study permits to legal residents of a few countries. These included India, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Over the years, more countries like Pakistan, Senegal, and Morocco were added to the list.
To qualify for SDS, applicants had to meet specific requirements. These included:
- Proof of tuition payment for the first year of study
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of about INR 10 lakh
- English language proficiency test results
- An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution.
Why the SDS program was closed
Canada decided to end the SDS and NSE programs so that the same process was available to all candidates. Henceforth the government wants all international students to enjoy the same opportunities, and no favorable nation status to benefit students from a few countries.
By removing these fast-track pathways, the IRCC wants to improve the application process. It also addresses operational issues from having different processing times and requirements for different groups of applicants.
What this means for international students
With the closure of these programs, all international students now have to use the regular application process for study permits. In the short run at least it may lead to longer waiting times, as expedited options that offered student visas in three weeks are no longer available.
To avoid problems, delays and bottlenecks prospective students should plan ahead. It’s important to submit applications well before the start date of the intended program. A lead time of three months is ideal. This extra time can help account for any sudden delays in processing.
Changes in application requirements
Under the SDS program, applicants needed specific documents like a GIC and proof of language proficiency.
Now, the regular study permit process has its own set of rules. Applicants must show they have enough money to pay for tuition and living expenses. They also need proof of acceptance from a Canadian school. In some cases, medical exams and police certificates may be required. Students should carefully review the requirements and make sure their applications are complete.
Tips for students applying under the new process
To succeed in the regular application process, keep in mind the following tips:
- Start the application process as soon as possible to allow for delays.
- Make sure all required documents are accurate and complete to avoid any delays.
- Regularly check the official IRCC website and other trusted sources for any changes in the application process.
