IELTS TEST—CANADA ENDS SDS AND NSE PROGRAMS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Many IELTS test takers consider Canada their dream destination for higher education and professional life. But things are likely to change for them soon. The federal government of Canada is changing its policies for international students and workers.

A recent couple of developments and announcements have proven it. Recent news circulating worldwide has stamped these changes. Therefore, everyone planning to register for the IELTS test for study purposes in Canada needs to know these policy changes.

Today’s post will detail those changes.

SDS And NSE Categories Closed

8 November 2024 proved to be a big day for all planning to apply for study visas through the SDS [Student Direct Stream] and NSE [Nigeria Student Express] categories. International students used these categories to apply for faster processing of their study visas.

The IRCC [Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has confirmed the closure of Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express. Those who have cleared their IELTS or any other English language proficiency exam and want to apply for a speedy study visa through these categories will have to change their plans.

Their applications will not be entertained. They will have to follow all respective timelines and rules mentioned on IRCC’s official website.

For Which Countries Were These Programs Introduced?

The Federal Government of Canada introduced the Students Direct Stream Program in 2018. The purpose was to help students from the following countries apply for their study permits with a quicker processing time. It was introduced to the students of the following 14 countries:

• Vietnam.
• Trinidad & Tobago.
• Antigua And Barbuda.
• St. Vincent And the Grenadines.
• Brazil.
• Senegal.
• China.
• The Philippines.
• Columbia.
• Peru.
• India.
• Pakistan.
• Morocco.
• Costa Rica.

All students/applicants from these countries had to fulfil only three conditions mentioned below:

• To be on an eligible countries’ list.
• Reside in the country.

Similarly, the NSE was for Nigerian students. The program allowed students from this country an expedited study permit process.

The Federal Government of Canada has decided to end both programs. This is because the Canadian government wants to provide every international student with the same study permit-related opportunity. The opportunity will be given based on the application submitted. Their country of citizenship or residence will not matter. 

What Do You Need to Understand about this Change?

There is something all international students need to know about this policy change. You need to understand it if you are planning to take the IELTS exam or any other international English language proficiency test to apply for a study permit in Canada.

International students can still apply for study permits in Canada. The closure of Student Direct Stream and Nigerian Student Express programs does not mean students from other countries can no longer come to Canada for education. They will still be allowed to enter Canada to achieve their academic dreams.

There is a difference between applying for study permits through regular study permits and SDS and NSE programs. International students from the 14 countries listed above needed to carry specific documents required to apply and fulfil the eligibility criteria for application submission under this stream.

International students needed to carry relevant documents as extra documents. The documentation depends on the country you are applying from. For such applications, the processing time for every international student will also be the same.

Do Not Worry if You Have Already Applied

The Federal Government of Canada issued Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 158, Number 45: Government Notices on November 9th, 2024, on its official website. The directive issued is titled Department Of Citizenship And Immigration, Immigration And Refugee Protection Act, Ministerial Instructions For The Student Direct Stream Program to provide complete clarification about the status of applications submitted before 8 November 2024.

All applications submitted before 8 November 2024, 2:00 PM EST [Eastern Standard Time will be processed according to the old SDS and NSE Programs. This is because those applications are currently running.

Are You Planning to Apply?

Have patience—your application will not be processed for expedited processing time under the Old SDS and NSE program after 8 November 2024 [2:00 PM] EST if you applied or are planning to apply for a study permit.

Your application will be processed under the regular study permit stream open to all students from other countries.

What Should Be Done Now?

The closure of the SDS and NSE categories is going to affect your chances of seeking higher education in Canada for sure. Those who have already enrolled in the IELTS exam preparation course or any other international English language proficiency test preparation course must be familiar with regular study permit application requirements.

Do not worry—just be familiar with regular study permit requirements and eligibility criteria. The end of the SDS and NSE categories does not mean the end of the world for them! The country is still willing to welcome students from other countries according to its regular study permit program.

The process of obtaining a regular study permit can be taxing. All such announcements can make things more complicated. Preparing for the IELTS test or any other international English language proficiency test could become a challenge for you.

For this reason, BITTS International Career College offers you IELTS test preparation courses. Enrol in one of those courses to better your chances of a regular study permit. Moreover, our team keeps watch on all such announcements and relevant developments to keep you updated. Candidates call BITTS International Career College without hesitation to know more about it and the value our courses can add to your IELTS exam preparations.   

Hurry! Enroll now.