Canada Shuts Down Student Direct Stream With Immediate Effect, Impacting Thousands of International Students

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has terminated the Student Direct Stream (SDS) effective immediately as of November 8, 2024, putting an end to this expedited study permit process that has benefited thousands of international students. Additionally, IRCC has closed the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream for Nigerian applicants, requiring all new study permit submissions to go through the standard application route.

Launched in 2018, the SDS was initially created to streamline the study permit application process for students from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines, who met specific requirements. To qualify under SDS, applicants needed to provide proof of a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) valued at $20,635 CAD and submit English or French language test scores. With the SDS program’s higher approval rates and faster processing times, students could often anticipate permit approvals within weeks rather than months. For Indian applicants, processing times under the standard process now average around eight weeks, extending timelines for hopeful students.

The end of the SDS comes amid a tightening landscape for international students in Canada. The federal government is implementing various measures to control the number of temporary residents—those holding study and work permits—due to pressures on housing and public services. New regulations rolled out in 2024 include a cap of 437,000 new study permits for 2025, which will apply across all levels of education, including master’s and Ph.D. programs.

Other significant changes include new language and academic requirements for international students planning to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), reduced availability of work permits for spouses of international students, and an increased financial threshold for proof of funds. These adjustments underscore the government’s aim to manage the growing influx of international students, which reached a record 807,000 study permit holders in 2023.

In light of these changes, prospective international students will face longer processing times and stricter criteria. According to IRCC, these new policies are part of Canada’s effort to address challenges such as housing shortages and economic impacts while continuing to support Canada’s reputation as a leading global destination for international education.

International student advisors now recommend that students begin planning well in advance of their intended study dates, given these changes.