Students wishing to study in Canada faced another blow this week, when Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship department announced that it is ending its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students.
The SDS was eventually opened to legal residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
In a statement IRCC said, “Canada’s goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience. To meet this commitment, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) initiatives have ended as of 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8.”
Prospective students are invited to apply through the regular study permit stream, which accepts Guaranteed Investment Certificates as proof of financial support. Canada will continue to welcome international students from all around the world.
Eligible SDS received before 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, will be processed under these streams. Study permit applications submitted on or after this time will be processed under the regular study permit stream.
However, government said, this change will not adversely affect eligibility for those who wish to apply for a study permit from a country where the SDS initiatives have been offered. All students, regardless of whether they were eligible for the SDS or NSE, are required to meet Canada’s study permit application requirements.
