Canada Tightens Student Immigration Policy
Canada has ended its fast-track study permit programs, affecting students from Nigeria, India, and other SDS-eligible countries. Starting November 8, 2024, these students must apply through the standard process. This change removes the expedited processing option previously available through the SDS and NSE programs. Canada’s decision impacts thousands of international students seeking quicker entry pathways for study permits.
Increased Processing Times for Study Permits
Introduced in 2018, the SDS program provided faster processing for students from 14 countries, including China and the Philippines. The program required language proficiency and a $10,000 Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate, enabling thousands of students to enter Canada swiftly. Introduced in 2020 for Nigerians, the NSE had stricter conditions, requiring CAD 30,000 in bank funds. Applicants also needed a year’s banking history, raising financial accessibility concerns. The higher threshold sparked debates on fairness and its impact on Nigerian students.
Canada’s Changing Immigration Landscape
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has explained that applications submitted before the November 8 deadline will still be processed under the SDS and NSE schemes. However, applications received after that date will be routed through the regular application system, potentially extending processing times significantly. This shift forms part of Canada’s broader effort to manage its temporary resident population, balancing its economic goals with the realities of post-COVID immigration trends.
Impacts on Aspiring Students
Students from SDS and NSE countries may experience longer waits and additional documentation requirements, limiting access to Canadian education. IRCC plans to cap study permits in 2025 at 437,000, implementing stricter eligibility criteria. New requirements will include updated language and financial standards, particularly impacting master’s and PhD applicants. Additional measures include tighter post-graduation work permit rules for specific fields and cost-of-living adjustments.
Debates Over Financial Barriers
Stakeholders argue that the NSE’s stringent financial requirements disproportionately burden Nigerian students, with the higher fund requirements seen as inequitable compared to other countries in the SDS. Despite its high approval rates, the NSE program’s cost requirements have been criticised for limiting access for talented Nigerian students who may not meet the financial threshold but have strong academic potential.
Canada Scraps 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visa for Nigerians
This policy change follows Canada’s recent decision to end the automatic 10-year multiple-entry visa for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, a move aimed at managing its growing immigration numbers. Together, these shifts mark a strategic pivot in Canada’s immigration approach, highlighting a more cautious stance on welcoming international students in the face of rising demand.
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