Canada has announced two major changes to its immigration policies, impacting the study permit process for international students and the visa validity terms for tourists. These revisions aim to promote fairness, improve program integrity, and enhance the experiences of those coming to Canada to study or visit.
1. End of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE)
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was introduced in 2018 to provide expedited study permit processing for eligible students from select countries, eventually expanding to include residents from Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, and others. Nigeria also had a similar fast-track process, known as the Nigeria Student Express (NSE). Both programs offered students an expedited pathway to studying in Canada by simplifying the study permit process.
However, as of November 8, 2024, these programs have been officially closed. The decision aligns with Canada’s commitment to equal opportunity and fairness in accessing study permits. Moving forward, all international students will apply through the regular study permit process, which ensures a more consistent and accessible application experience for students worldwide. Key details include:
- Effective Date: Applications received before 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024, will still be processed under the SDS or NSE criteria. Applications submitted afterward will follow the regular study permit process.
- Proof of Financial Support: Students can still use a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) as proof of financial support under the regular study permit stream.
- Application Integrity and Fairness: This shift underscores Canada’s efforts to prevent student vulnerability and to foster positive academic experiences for all international students.
2. Changes to Canada’s Visa Validity Policy
Previously, Canada offered multiple-entry tourist visas with a validity of up to ten years, allowing holders to enter and leave the country freely during this period. However, under the new guidelines effective November 6, 2024, Canadian immigration officers now have greater discretion in issuing visitor visas:
- Single or Multiple Entry Options: Immigration officers may now determine whether to grant a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, as well as to decide on the duration of the visa based on individual circumstances.
- No Standard 10-Year Validity: While multiple-entry visas remain available, the standard validity period of up to ten years will no longer be the default. Officers can issue visas with shorter validity based on their judgment, marking a shift in Canada’s visa policy and reducing extended-term entries as the standard.
This change will likely streamline processing by allowing officers to make tailored decisions based on the applicant’s needs and background, rather than automatically granting longer-term visas.
What These Changes Mean for Applicants
These policy updates reflect Canada’s ongoing adjustments to ensure program effectiveness and accessibility. International students previously eligible for SDS or NSE can still pursue their studies in Canada, but now through the regular study permit channel. Similarly, tourists can still apply for multiple-entry visas, though the validity period may be more flexible based on individual assessments.
These changes are part of Canada’s commitment to balancing open access with rigorous standards, preserving the country’s reputation as a premier destination for study, work, and travel.
