Canada has officially ended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) visa programs as of November 8, 2024.
Now, applicants from countries previously eligible for these expedited streams, including Nigeria and India, must apply through the regular study permit process, potentially facing longer wait times.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says the decision aims to simplify the study permit process, ensuring fairness by applying uniform standards to all applicants. The change is also intended to reduce vulnerabilities like fraud and exploitation within the system.
Students who applied before the November 8 deadline will still benefit from faster processing.
Related News: Canada Ends Automatic 10-Year Tourist Visas
However, future applicants are advised to prepare for standard requirements and to regularly check the IRCC website for updates on the study permit process.
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