As of November 8, 2024, Canada has officially discontinued its Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) visa programs.
With this policy shift, students from countries previously eligible for these programs must now apply through Canada’s regular study permit process, a change that may result in extended processing times for study permits.
According to Immigration News Canada (INC), the decision to end the SDS and NSE programs aims to enhance the equity and integrity of Canada’s immigration system. By removing these expedited pathways, the government intends to simplify the process and ensure that all international students have equal access to study permits, regardless of their country of origin.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that the transition to a single, uniform review process will help address system vulnerabilities, including risks related to fraud and exploitation. IRCC believes this approach will reinforce fairness and transparency within the application process, applying consistent standards to all international students.
Background on NSE Program for Nigerian Students
Canada initially introduced the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) to accommodate the high demand from Nigerian students aspiring to study in Canada, providing an expedited path for obtaining study permits. This program enabled thousands of Nigerian students to access faster processing and pursue education in Canada with fewer delays. However, following the program’s termination on November 8, new applicants from Nigeria must now apply under the regular study permit process, similar to students from other countries.
Transition to the Standard Study Permit Process
With the conclusion of the SDS and NSE programs, prospective students from former participating countries will need to apply through Canada’s standard study permit system. Applicants can still present financial proof, such as Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) or other documents, to confirm they can cover educational and living expenses—a requirement maintained from the previous programs. Key application criteria, including financial, academic, and language proficiency standards set by IRCC, remain unchanged.
For those who submitted applications prior to 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, IRCC will process these under the former SDS or NSE guidelines, allowing these applicants to retain the benefit of expedited processing. Students from countries previously eligible for these streams can still apply for study permits, although processing times may be extended under the new approach.
Impact on Students from High-Demand Regions
The termination of SDS and NSE visa streams particularly affects students from Nigeria and other high-demand regions, such as India, which had previously benefited from quicker processing under these specialized programs. While students from these countries can continue applying for study permits, they will now undergo the standard processing timeline.
Guidance for Prospective Applicants
INC advises prospective international students to prepare their applications according to the regular study permit process. This includes gathering all required documentation, such as proof of financial support, and regularly checking the IRCC website for any future updates or changes. Students who applied through the SDS or NSE programs before the November 8 deadline will still benefit from the faster processing promised under the prior guidelines.
