Canada Immigration Updates for Foreign Students, Workers and Entrepreneurs

Recent announcements from Canada’s immigration authorities indicate a series of changes that could affect certain foreign students, workers, and entrepreneurs.

End of the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express

On 8 November 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the conclusion of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) initiatives effective immediately.

Prospective students must submit their applications via the regular study permit stream, which recognizes Guaranteed Investment Certificates as valid proof of financial support.

These streams will process SDS and NSE applications submitted by 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024. Study permit applications received after this period will be processed through the normal route.

This change will not negatively impact the eligibility of individuals seeking to apply for a study permit from countries where the SDS or NSE initiatives have been available. Every student, irrespective of their eligibility for the SDS or NSE, must fulfill Canada’s study permit application requirements.

IRCC will process qualified SDS and NSE applications until 14:00 (local time) on November 8, 2024, however study permit applications filed after this time will be processed with the usual process. IRCC introduced the SDS in 2018 to speed up study permit processing for eligible Chinese and Indian post-secondary students. The NSE was similar for Nigerian students.

Due to the closures, SDS and NSE applicants may expect extended processing periods (which vary by country). IRCC said the closures will provide all students equal access to the application process and promote international student programs.

Background: 

The SDS was created in 2018 to speed up post-secondary processing for qualified students. 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 could use the SDS. Nigerian university applicants went through a similar NSE process.

Initiating your study permit application ahead of time

The SDS has consistently demonstrated higher approval rates and quicker processing times when compared to the standard study permit application process. Consequently, students intending to apply under the SDS should now anticipate extended processing times.

The processing times for regular study permits differ depending on the country. As of November 8th, the average processing time for applications submitted from India is currently 8 weeks.

New qualifying conditions are on the horizon for the Québec Experience Program.

Since 23 November 2024, applicants for the Québec Experience Program must have completed 75% of their program in French:

Vocational and college training requires completion of 75% of program courses in French. In university programs, complete 75% of program credits in French.

Theses, Master’s dissertations, internships, and research laboratories can be conducted in a language other than French. Nonetheless, the 75% threshold needs to be achieved for additional courses or credits.

Courses taken abroad, such as those in an exchange program, are included in the threshold calculation.

Applicants who have not finished the qualifying program of study in French must have completed three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies in French, either in Québec or internationally.

The Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ – Québec experience program) is designed for foreign students who have graduated from a Québec institution or for temporary foreign workers. It enables eligible applicants to secure a Québec selection certificate for permanent settlement in Québec.

Please be aware that from 31 October 2024 until 30 June 2025, the government of Québec will not be accepting any new applications for permanent selection under the “Québec graduate” stream of the PEQ. Additionally, it will not accept invitations under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP) or the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP), which will take effect on 29 November 2024.

The “Temporary foreign worker” stream of the PEQ remains unaffected by the suspensions.

Termination of the Entrepreneur Stream in Ontario

The Government of Ontario has officially announced the closure of its Entrepreneur Stream, which has not been accepting new applications since December 4, 2023. The program, which was part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), is now transitioning into a wind-down phase, along with necessary regulatory changes.

Ontario Regulation 439/24 (General) and 438/24 (Approvals under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and Other Matters) include the amended regulations. Current Entrepreneur Stream applicants will advance under the amended requirements.

Under the new regulations, these applicants may still be eligible for nomination for permanent residence, based on the commitments they have undertaken to establish a business in Ontario. Ontario will reach out to all current applicants and their authorized representatives in the coming days to provide further information about the next steps.

The discontinuation of the Entrepreneur Stream is a component of broader changes to Ontario’s immigration policies, aligning the province’s programs with evolving priorities and economic goals. While the program has ceased accepting new applicants, those currently engaged in the application process will still have the opportunity to continue their journey toward permanent residency in Ontario.

Following the suspension of Entrepreneur Stream applications that commenced on 4 December 2023, the government of Ontario is implementing changes to the program to conclude and terminate the stream.

All existing Entrepreneur Stream applications will adhere to the revised regulations. The revised regulations permit current candidates for the nomination of permanent residency, provided they have pledged to establish their business in Ontario.

All current applicants to the Entrepreneur Stream, as well as their authorized representatives, will receive communication from the authorities containing further information and details regarding the next steps for their applications.

Overview of the Entrepreneur Stream

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s Entrepreneur Stream. Under the 2015 Ontario Immigration Act and rules, it exists. To get your application approved, follow the rules and complete the requirements. If this webpage and the law differ, the law prevails.

This stream is for foreign entrepreneurs starting or buying a business in Ontario.

After establishing a firm in Ontario, an entrepreneur and up to one foreign business partner can be nominated for permanent residence.

After being nominated, apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. Their decision determines permanent residency.

The Entrepreneur Stream application is two-step. Process summary follows.

Stage 1

• Register an expression of interest
• Send an online application if invited.
• You and your business partner requires an interview
• Sign a performance agreement if your stage 1 application is accepted.

Stage 2

• Provide a temporary work permit support letter for IRCC application.
• Establish your business—you have 20 months from arrival in Ontario to implement your plan and submit a report.
• We require evidence to confirm your permanent residence eligibility if your business meets all standards.

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