Canada student visa new rules: IRCC ends fast-track study permit streams, shifts to standard application process
International students from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and Philippines, to bear the brunt
PTC Web Desk: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially ceased accepting study permit applications under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programme. This marks a significant shift in Canada's study permit process, as all future study permit applications will now follow the standard application route.
Launched in 2018, the SDS was designed to expedite study permit processing for international students from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Applicants under the SDS stream were earlier required to meet specific criteria, including submitting language test results and providing evidence of a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth CAD $20,635. This system resulted in higher approval rates and faster processing times compared to the standard application process, making it a popular choice for prospective students.
With the termination of the SDS, students are now advised to account for longer processing times as they navigate the standard study permit application procedure. For instance, as of November 8, the average processing time for study permits from India has increased to eight weeks.
The change in study permit protocols comes alongside a broader shift in Canada's approach to managing international student numbers. In 2024, the Canadian government introduced new regulations aimed at controlling the influx of temporary residents, including students and work permit holders. Key measures include a cap on new study permits, set at 437,000 for 2025, as well as new eligibility requirements for language proficiency and fields of study for students seeking Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
Besides, the availability of work permits for spouses of international students has been limited, and the cost-of-living requirement for international students has been updated.
international students planning to study in Canada are advised to carefully consider the new application procedures and timelines when applying for study permits.