NAIRAMETRICS
Canada has officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) visa programs as of November 8th, 2024.
Under the change, applicants from countries previously eligible for these programs will now apply through the regular study permit process, which may lead to longer wait times.
Immigration News Canada (INC) reports that the Canadian government’s decision to end the SDS and NSE visa programs is intended to improve the fairness and integrity of its immigration system.
By removing these specialized streams, the government aims to simplify the study permit process and provide equal opportunities for applicants from all countries.
According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the move will also help address vulnerabilities in the system, such as fraud and exploitation, by enforcing a uniform review process.
This change ensures that all international students are subject to the same set of standards, promoting fairness and transparency.
