Author:More changes for International students: The END of two expedited application Pathways
Effective Friday 8th November, at 2pm Canada has ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) visa programs.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- What was the SDS and NSE?
- Why were these initiatives discontinued?
- Who will be affected?
- Transition to the Regular Study Permit stream
- Changes to the application process
- How to apply for a student permit?
What was the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE)?
These two initiatives expedited processing times via a simplified process for study permit applications originating from the following countries;
- Antigua and Barbuda,
- Brazil,
- China,
- Colombia,
- Costa Rica,
- India,
- Morocco,
- Nigeria
- Pakistan,
- Peru,
- Philippines,
- Senegal,
- Vincent and the Grenadines,
- Trinidad and Tobago,
- Vietnam
These simplified streams were introduced to shorten the processing times of qualified post secondary students, typically within a few weeks instead of the standard processing time which could take several months. The end of these streams means that all applications received after the November 8, 2pm will be processed as regular study permit applications and are subject to standard processing times, and eligibility requirements. Applications received before the November 8th deadline of 2pm will be processed under the old system.
Why were these initiatives discontinued?
Although not expressly stated in their media release, by eliminating these initiates the government of Canada is taking steps to;
- Protect the integrity of the immigration system by strengthening the system’s transparency and accountability.
- Provide consistency in the application review: by promoting a standardized review process for all post secondary international student applicants.
- Improve application fairness: Aims to make the system uniformly accessible and fair for all eligible students worldwide, not just from a few select countries.
Who will be affected?
There is no impact to any international student applicants beyond those of former SDS/ NSE countries.
Transition to the Regular Study Permit stream
By eliminating the SDS and NSE processing streams, all applications will be automatically placed into the regular international student application stream and be subject to its timelines and requirements.
Changes to the application process
International students who wish to attend school in Canada need to show that they meet these requirements:
- Letter of Acceptance: Must be accepted to a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
- Financial Requirements: Proof of funds for all provinces except Quebec, the base amount for students is 1 year of tuition, plus CAD 20,635 (effective January 1, 2024).
- Genuine temporary resident: Must demonstrate intent to leave Canada after study period is over.
- Legitimate student: The study permit application must be genuine and not due to past rejections of other visas.
How to apply for a student permit?
Applying for a study permit to Canada involves a detailed process where several factors are carefully reviewed by trained immigration officers to determine if the applicant meets the requirements. Among these factors, five key reasons most often lead to refusals. Understanding these reasons can help applicants address potential issues and improve their chance of approval. Here’s a brief breakdown of the top five refusal reasons.
- Personal assets and financial status
- Purpose of study
- Current employment situation
- Application not consistent with a temporary stay
- Family ties in Canada and Country of residence
In conclusion, understanding the main reasons for study permit refusals can be a crucial step in strengthening your application. By addressing each factor—financial stability, purpose of study, employment status, temporary stay intent, and family ties—applicants can present a more compelling case to Canadian immigration officers. For those looking for guidance through the application process or wishing to improve their chances of approval, our team is here to help. Contact us for personalized support, and let’s work together to make your study plans in Canada a reality.
