Canada eliminated the Student Direct Stream program

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has closed the Student Direct Stream program, an expedited way to process study permits. With this, Canada seeks to provide all international students with equal and fair access to the study permit application process. The recent announcement, dated November 8, 2024, has raised concerns among many international students aspiring to study in this country.

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At Immiland, we are attentive to every immigration news, that's why in this blog we offer updated information and alternatives to successfully reach Canada. So read with me to the end and find out the details of this closing and the ways to make a proper process to study in Canada. Let's get started!

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Why is Student Direct Stream closing?

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The purpose of this program, launched in 2018, was to process study applications faster than through the regular route. However, in practice, such applications were not being made within the timeframe set by IRCC, so the government deemed it necessary to eliminate the program with immediate effect from November 8, 2024.

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How will it be applied from now on?

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In view of the change, study permit applications will be processed through the regular online program, i.e. the one that has always existed! IRCC invites prospective students to apply through the regular study permit process, which accepts guaranteed investment certificates as proof of financial support. 

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According to the press release, Canada will continue to welcome international students from all over the world. Let's remember that Canada's immigration system offers many ways to enter the country, the key is to know them and adapt them to your profile.

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Changes to the study permit

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The study permit is a document issued by Canada to allow foreigners to study in designated learning institutions (DLI), the only ones authorized to receive foreign students. This year has seen many changes in immigration for international students choosing Canada. A provincial certification letter (PAL) or a territorial certification letter (TAL) is now required to apply for a study permit, a financial solvency exceeding CAD 20,000, among other changes. All this generates confusion, therefore, the call is to be updated with what is happening to understand that there are alternative ways to apply successfully.

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Below, I share a guide with tips and recommendations for a choice according to your possibilities.

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Guide to studying in Canada

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Complying with the immigration requirements and changes implemented by the IRCC is a must in Canada. Here are some ways to complete the process depending on your case:

1. Students with partners: if the student wants his/her partner to apply for the open work permit, he/she must choose a master's degree in any field, of at least 16 months, a doctorate, a law degree, a bachelor's degree in education, among others. See more programs.
2. To apply for the Post-Graduate Work Permit, once you have completed your classes in these programs, you must demonstrate a CLB 7 language level in English or French with an international test, such as the IELTS, the Celpip, the Pearson (for English) or the TEF or TEC (for French).
3. Single students or students who are not interested in having their partner apply for the open work permit may study one of the above programs or consider a college, in which case they must study a program linked to one of these sectors: agriculture and agri-food; health care; science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); trades or transportation, as graduating from one of these programs will allow them to apply for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), a change that went into effect on November 1, 2024.
4. To apply for the PGWP, the required level of English or French is CLB 5. 
5. Evaluate your immigration profile: before making any decision, it is important for the future international student to identify the best options available to immigrate to Canada. This means that they should recognize their skills, work experience and level of linguistic competence in English and French, since there are programs such as Express Entry, Mobilité Francophone, provincial nominee programs, among others, which are viable alternatives to immigrate to Canada and apply for permanent residence directly.

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Although the closure of Student Direct Stream may seem like a limitation or take longer than expected for your application, please note that this is not necessarily the case, the process was exceeding the IRCC time limit and was therefore removed. 

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In Canadian immigration, the call is to obtain information from reliable and certified sources. Our team at Immiland Canada Education is trained to guide you in your study decisions. If you need advice for your ‍studies in Canada, contact us at education@immilandcanada.com or schedule an appointment.

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Thank you for reading us - success in your application!

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With love,

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Immiland Education

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