Preet Gill,
Special to The Post

2024 marked a year of significant change to Canada’s international student program. Throughout the year, the Canadian government implemented a series of regulatory measures to control the influx of international students coming into the country. Both prospective students and educational institutions are now facing a shifting landscape. The objectives of these changes have been consistent: to stabilize population growth, reduce student vulnerability and preserve the integrity of Canada’s international student program.

On January 22, 2024, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), the Honourable Marc Miller, set prescribed limits on the number of international students coming to Canada, with a target to reduce international student arrivals by 35% in 2024. The Minister introduced a cap of    360,000 student applicants for the year, a significant decrease from the approximately 486,000 international students admitted in 2023. Minister Miller also announced the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan in October 2024, which formalized these reduced targets for temporary residents, specifically international students. While these changes appear to be harsh on prospective international students, the Canadian government aims to balance the economic and academic benefits international students bring with the need to protect social infrastructure and housing markets.

“International students are vital to Canada and enrich our communities.    As such, we must ensure that they have access to the resources they need for an enriching academic experience. In Canada, today, this isn’t always the case. Today, we are announcing additional measures to protect a system that has become so lucrative that it has opened a path for its abuse.    Enough is enough. Through the decisive measures announced today, we are striking the right balance for Canada and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system while setting students up for the success they hope for.”   

– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (January 22, 2024)

For a detailed discussion of the changes to Canada’s international student program and how these changes impact both prospective students and current students in Canada, please refer to our recent blog,    "What a difference a year makes: Navigating the changes to Canada’s International Student Program”    https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/what-a-difference-a-year-makes-navigating-the-changes-to-canada's-international-student-program/.

Closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE)

As 2024 draws to an end, rapid changes to Canada's immigration programs continue to unfold. On November 8, 2024, the Minister suddenly closed two popular expedited processing streams for study permit applicants: the SDS and the NSE initiative. The SDS was introduced in 2018 and was designed to provide faster processing times for eligible post-secondary students from specifically identified countries which over time grew to a total of 14 countries.    Under this program, eligible study permit applicants could expect a speedy processing time of just 20 days. Similarly, the NSE was a fast-track processing stream for students from Nigeria.

What does this mean for International Students?

IRCC accepted applications for processing under the SDS and NSE until 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024.    The closure of both of these programs marks a significant shift in how study permits will be processed.    All prospective study permit applicants must apply through the regular processing stream.    IRCC states that while this change may lead to longer processing times, it is intended to ensure fairness and equality in the application process for all international students, regardless of their country of origin.

It is crucial to understand the changes to Canada’s international student program before applying for a study permit. The closure of the SDS and NSE means that accelerated processing times are no longer available to students from previously eligible countries. As a result, applicants should anticipate and plan for longer wait times as their study permits are processed under the regular-stream.

Current Processing Times for Previously Eligible Countries under the Accelerated Student Streams:       

Note:    These processing times are provided on IRCC’s website and updated every week.

*For all other countries, please refer to the IRCC website for country-specific processing times.   

It is important to note that these estimated times do not account for such things as an application to be transferred between a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and an IRCC office, or the time needed to provide biometrics or an Immigration Medical Examination (IME). The processing of an application only begins once IRCC has received a complete application and ends when a decision is made. As noted on IRCC’s website, complex applications may take longer to process. Plan ahead! We recommend making your study permit application a minimum of six months before the start date of your program of study in Canada.

Generally, in order to be eligible to study in Canada, prospective students must meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete application. You must demonstrate that you are enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and have sufficient funds to cover the costs of studying, living in and returning to your home country at the end of your authorized temporary stay in Canada. Depending on your country of origin, and personal circumstances, you may also be required to submit a police certificate and/or a medical examination.    Students are also required to submit a letter of acceptance from the DLI they’ll be attending and a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). Additionally, all applicants are also required to submit a personal study plan outlining their reasons for wanting to study in Canada and confirming their understanding of the responsibilities that come with being an international student in the country.

Tips for Study Permit Applicants:

>    Apply early!    With the closure of the SDS and NSE    initiatives, processing times will be longer, so submit your study permit application well in advance of your program start date.

>    Submit a complete application!    Ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays.    With IRCC seeking to reduce the overall number of study permits issued in 2024 and 2025 by 35%, it is more important than ever for students to ensure that their applications are complete and accurate to maximize their chances of receiving a favourable decision.

>    Be aware of study permit caps!    With the overall reduction of study permits to be issued, expect increased competition. The caps on study permit applications mean that fewer students will be able to secure permits for the foreseeable future.

>    Stay Informed!    As we have seen throughout 2024, immigration policies continue to change. Regularly check IRCC’s website for updates to ensure that you are able to meet the latest requirements.

Finally, prospective international students should carefully consider their post-graduation opportunities before coming to Canada. If you plan to gain Canadian work experience after completing your studies, be sure to check that the program offered by your chosen DLI is eligible for the    Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).    Also, if permanent residence is part of your plans, consider delaying applying for your PGWP until after you obtain 2-3 years of work experience and/or complete Canadian graduate studies.    Given the ongoing changes to Canada’s international student program and immigration policies, understanding options like the PGWP and Express Entry can help students make informed decisions about their education programs and future career goals. It is essential to stay informed and plan ahead to maximize the value of your educational experience in Canada.

To understand the importance of developing a strategic immigration plan to obtain permanent residence,    please refer to our blog,    "Thinking Outside the Box: Developing a Canadian ImmigrationStrategy"    https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/thinking-outside-the-box-developing-a-canadian-immigration-strategy/.   

For a complete list of our most recent    blogs    regarding international students please see https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/category/studying-in-canada/)

Preet Gill is an Associate Lawyer at Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre in Vancouver, BC. She is committed to assisting clients with their immigration and residency goals in Canada. You can reach Preet by email at email Preet Gill or call her at 1-604-689-5444.