End of Student Direct Stream, New Rules for Students and Other November 2024 Updates for Canada

Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express Permanently Closed

The Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express programs have been permanently closed as of 8 November 2024.

These initiatives were launched in 2018 as a way for certain eligible students in South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia to quickly apply for post-secondary courses in Canada.

However, these have now been brought to a close by IRCC, stating that: “Canada’s goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience”.

“To meet this commitment, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) initiatives have ended as of 2:00 p.m. ET today.”

IRCC have stated that any applications for either program received before 2:00pm ET on 8 November 2024 will be processed as normal. However, any and all study permit applications after this time will be processed under the main study permit stream.

Trudeau Doubles Down on Plan to Cut Immigration, Blaming “Bad Actors”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has doubled down on his recently revealed plan to significantly cut immigration into Canada via a new video released on social media.

In the video, he cites “bad actors” such as “fake colleges and big chain corporations” who have exploited the immigration system for their own interests as part of the reason why his government are cutting immigration.

He also goes on to say: “Looking back, when the post-pandemic boom cooled and businesses no longer needed the additional labour help, as a federal team we could have acted quicker and turned off the taps faster,” while also conceding “we made some mistakes”.

Trudeau’s new plans to cut immigration include reducing the number of permanent residents accepted into Canada by around 20% to just 365,000 by 2027.

The news came amidst a turbulent time for Trudeau’s government, which came under fire for significantly raising immigration numbers after the Covid-19 pandemic. Critics included the UN, which raised concerns over the foreign worker program in Canada being at risk of propagating “contemporary slavery” due to substandard regulations on fraudulent employers.

Public support for immigration has also been waning in Canada, with positive attitudes towards immigration at a historic low, as we reported last month.

New Rules for International Students Come Into Effect

As of 15 November 2024, some new rules for international students have come into effect, including new rules on working and enrollment.

As part of these new rules, international students in Canada can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus during term time.

In addition, students must apply, and be approved for, a brand-new study permit if they wish to switch learning institutions at any time.

The Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller, stated that: “By fixing the off-campus work limit to 24 hours per week, we’re striking the right balance between providing work opportunities and helping students stay focused on their education. We also expect institutions to support our efforts to preserve the integrity of the International Student Program.”

Additional changes include the following:

• To work off campus without a work permit, international students must be studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, or a vocational training program at the secondary level offered in Quebec, that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• International students who are eligible to work off campus may work full-time during breaks in their academic calendar, such as the summer break between school years or the winter break between semesters.
• Twice a year, designated learning institutions are expected to submit a report to IRCC that indicates whether each study permit holder associated with their school has remained enrolled. Students who are no longer enrolled can be investigated and face enforcement action, as they may be breaking their study permit conditions.

How Can IAS Help With Your Canadian Immigration Application?

IAS have a team of immigration consultants and caseworkers experienced in the field of Canadian immigration.

Our CICC-qualified immigration consultants can help you with numerous facets of Canadian immigration, including skilled worker, family, student or provincial-based immigration.

We can also give close guidance and support on Express Entry and the CRS, helping you to maximise your chances of being accepted for one of Canada’s prestigious immigration programmes.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help on your situation today. Call us on +1 844 290 6312 or reach out to us online.