The official Canadian immigration website states that as of November 8, 2024, the SDS program is no longer available. The goal is to provide every student, regardless of background, with an equal opportunity.
Applications filed after November 8, 2024, will be processed non-SDS, while those received before then would be processed under the SDS stream.
According to Canada gazette, part 1, volume 158, Number 45: Government notices dated 9th November 2024, details are as follows:
https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2024/2024-11-09/html/notice-avis-eng.html
Quoted:
Any application received on or after November 8, 2024, 2:00 p.m., EST, will not be eligible to receive expedited processing under the SDS, as the program has ended. SDS-specific eligibility documents would no longer be required up front as of the effective date.
Nigeria Student express (NSE) is also discontinued effective November 8, 2024.
This will impact students from India and Nigeria, which are in high-demand regions; now the applications will be processed under normal stream. The Canadian universities and colleges welcome around 800,000 students every year, Canadian education system has high quality education. The statement from IRCC states that the country will welcome students from across the globe without any preference one to another.
Points to be considered for students applying for study permit Canada
- Application submission through regular stream
- Prepare financial and required documents according to guidelines; details are available at IRCC website
- Keep updated on policy updates
SDS VS NON SDS
SDS application was processed faster, SDS applications take longer time and required more documents. SDS application was streamlined and NON SDS applications required more documentations and proper money trails.
A unified system of immigration
Although these safeguards will result in longer processing delays for applications, Canada is moving towards a more cohesive and strong immigration system by taking this step. The SDS and NSE stream closures indicate that Canada has entered a new era.
In order to promote an inclusive atmosphere for international students, the new approach seeks to guarantee fairly consideration for applicants from all around the world.
Advise for aspiring students
Prospective students planning to study in Canada, must refer IRCC website for updated policies and plan accordingly, early applications lodgement and meeting all documents requirements will be better for study permit applications.
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