End of the Canada Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE)
Canada remains committed to providing all international students with fair and equal access to the study permit application process. As part of this commitment, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs have come to an end, effective as of 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024. These programs were initially introduced to expedite processing for eligible students from specific countries, but as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen program integrity and ensure equitable access, Canada will now process all study permit applications under the regular stream.
What Were SDS and NSE?
Launched in 2018, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) was designed to help international students from specific countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam, receive faster processing times for their study permit applications.
Additionally, Nigeria had a similar program, the Nigeria Student Express (NSE), which offered similar benefits to prospective Nigerian university students.
Why Did Canada End SDS and NSE?
Canada’s primary goal is to enhance the integrity of its immigration programs while addressing the vulnerabilities that some international students may face. The decision to end the SDS and NSE initiatives is in line with Canada’s ongoing efforts to ensure all students, regardless of nationality, have an equal opportunity to apply for study permits and receive fair treatment during the process.
As a result, prospective students from all countries will now apply through the regular study permit stream, which accepts options like Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) as proof of financial support.
What Does This Mean for Prospective Students?
For those who were planning to apply through the SDS or NSE, the good news is that applications submitted before 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024 will still be processed under these streams. However, study permit applications submitted after this time will follow the regular study permit process.
Canada’s Ongoing Commitment to International Students
Despite the end of the SDS and NSE programs, Canada remains a welcoming destination for students from all around the world. The country is committed to maintaining an inclusive, fair, and accessible visitor visas and study permit process, ensuring that international students continue to have a positive academic experience in Canada.
Prospective students are encouraged to apply for study permits through the regular application process and ensure they meet all the required eligibility criteria.
