Canada has ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS)—a study permit process that allowed international students to apply at various designated learning institutes in the country.

It was a “fast track” option where to study permit were received within 20 calendar days if the eligibility requirements were met.

“Prospective students are invited to apply through the regular study permit stream, which accepts Guaranteed Investment Certificates as proof of financial support,” the Canadian government said in a statement on Friday.

The SDS was launched in 2018 to provide faster processing for eligible post-secondary students.

The SDS was eventually opened to legal residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. Prospective university students from Nigeria had a similar process with the Nigeria Student Express.

It added that the North American country aims to enhance programme “integrity, address the vulnerabilities of students, and ensure equitable access to the application process, as well as foster a positive academic experience for all.”

To fulfill the commitment, the government ended the SDS and Nigeria Student Express initiatives on November 8.

But it added that Canada would continue to welcome international students from all around the world.

Moreover, it added that eligible SDS and NSE applications received before 2pm ET on November 8, 2024, would be processed under such streams. “Study permit applications submitted on or after this time will be processed under the regular study permit stream.”

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The statement said that the change would not “adversely affect eligibility” for those who wish to apply for a study permit from a country where the SDS or NSE initiatives have been offered.

“All students, regardless of whether they were eligible for the SDS or NSE, are required to meet Canada’s study permit application requirements.”

Last year, Canada raised the cost-of-living financial requirement for international students wishing to apply for a study permit in the country. The Guaranteed Investment Certificate was increased from 10,000 Canadian dollars to $20,635 per applicant.