International Students Study Permit

Canada Closes SDS and NSE Programs: International Students Required to Apply Through Regular Study Permit Stream

By: Mariam Baher

On November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the closure of Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs. This announcement means that those hoping for faster processing times for study permits will no longer have this option and all applications will follow the respective processing times indicated on IRCC’s website. The SDS and NSE programs were options available to international students from specific countries.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) Programs

The SDS program was introduced in 2018 and allowed students from 14 different countries including India, China, Brazil, Morocco, Pakistan, among others to apply for study permits with a faster processing time. To be eligible to apply under either stream, applicants not only had to be on the list of eligible countries, but they also had to be residing in the country as well. Nigeria had their own version of the SDS program called Nigeria Student Express (NSE), which similarly provided Nigerian students an expedited study permit process.

The Canadian government has ended both programs in an effort to provide all international students the same opportunity in receiving a study permit based on the application that was submitted, regardless of their country of citizenship and residence.

What Does This Change Mean for Future Students?

The end of the SDS and NSE programs does not mark the end of international students in Canada, international students are still able to come and study here. The main difference between applying through the regular study permit stream compared to applying through SDS or NSE programs is that the SDS and NSE program carried specific documents that were required to apply and be eligible to submit an application under this stream.

With these programs being removed, less documentation may be required, depending on the country that you are applying for, and the processing times will be the same for all applicants for this type of authorization.

Already Applied or Planning to Apply?

As stated on the Government of Canada website, applications that were submitted through SDS or NSE before 2:00 pm eastern standard time (EST) on November 8, 2024, will still be processed under the old SDS or NSE programs as they were still running at the time.

Applications submitted after 2:00 pm ET on November 8, 2024, (when both SDS and NSE programs were officially closed) will not be eligible for expedited processing time and will be processed under the regular study permit stream open to all international students.

What Now?

If you were planning to apply through SDS or NSE programs, or if you are unsure about how this new change affects you, you need to familiarize yourself with the regular study permit application requirements. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as proof of financial support, acceptance from a postsecondary designated learning institution, the new provincial attestation letter required, as well as other required paperwork that can be found on the government of Canada website.

Even though the SDS and NSE programs are no longer available, Canada continues to welcome international students. At Canadim, we understand that the process for obtaining a study permit can be complicated, especially with all the recent announcements regarding international students and the documents required. Whether you’re applying for a study permit for the first time or have questions about your existing application, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Canadim and let us help you on your journey of studying in Canada.