Canada has terminated the hugely popular Student Direct Stream, directly impacting the entry of international students into the country. This move by Canada will significantly impact Indian students, who were the beneficiaries of this process.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was an expedited study permit processing initiative for those applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI). To be eligible for expedited study permit application processing under the SDS initiative, applicants had to meet specific requirements by providing selected documentation upfront.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended on November 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET. The applications submitted on or after this date and time will be processed as regular study permits. Going forward, all study permit applications received on or after November 8 will be processed using regular study permit procedures.
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. Prospective university students from Nigeria had a similar process with the Nigeria Student Express (NSE). From November 8, along with Student Direct Stream, the Nigeria Student Express has also come to an end.
Eligible SDS and NSE applications 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.
This change will not adversely affect eligibility for those who wish to apply for a study permit from a country where the SDS or NSE 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.
The study permit is a document we issue that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply. You should apply before you travel to Canada. Prospective students are invited to apply through the regular study permit stream, which accepts Guaranteed Investment Certificates as proof of financial support.
Canada has already announced that it will issue fewer study permits in 2025 and 2026. The announcement was A reduction in the intake cap on international student study permits for 2025 based on a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000 new study permits issued, and then stabilizing the intake cap for 2026 such that the number of study permits issued remains the same as 2025. For 2025, this means reducing study permits issued to 437,000.