Canada Student Direct Stream expanded to Senegal, Morocco

Canada Student Direct Stream to support Francophone immigration

Applicants from Senegal and Morocco will get access to a more efficient process for study permits

August 30, 2019 – Ottawa – Canada is making the Student Direct Stream (SDS) available to international students coming from Senegal and Morocco, starting September 9, 2019.

By providing fast, reliable processing of study permit applications via SDS, Canada is better equipped to compete in attracting the best and the brightest from around the world.

SDS applications require prospective students to provide more up-front information to officers, including meeting language test requirements in English or French and providing additional information that shows their ability to finance their education. With additional information, officers can process applications more efficiently.

The Student Direct Stream launched in 2018 as an option for study permit applicants in China, India, Philippines and Vietnam. Most SDS applications in those countries are being processed in under 3 weeks.

As outlined in an OECD report released earlier this month, Canada is a top destination for students seeking both a high-quality international education and employment in their field of study once they graduate. With Canadian education credentials and skilled work experience in Canada, former international students are well positioned for success in applying for permanent residence through Express Entry.

In addition, since 2017, Express Entry candidates with strong French skills have been able to earn additional ranking points. This provides more opportunity for them to successfully transition to permanent residence and contribute to the vitality and growth of Francophone communities outside of Quebec.

Expanding this faster and more efficient application process to prospective students from Senegal and Morocco supports the Government’s Francophone Immigration Strategy to encourage more young French speakers to choose to study in Canada. 

Quotes

“Canada’s diverse, welcoming society, high-quality educational institutions and opportunities to work or immigrate after graduation have made Canada a leading destination of choice for students from around the world. In expanding the Student Direct Stream to a more diverse range of prospective students, we’re enhancing the tremendous cultural, social and economic benefits that international students provide.”

 – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

• The expansion of the SDS supports the Government’s goal of attracting students from a more diverse range of countries. This was identified as a priority in the new International Education Strategy for 2019 to 2024, launched earlier this month.
• In July 2019, the SDS also became available to prospective students from Pakistan.
• In 2018, nearly 54,000 former students transitioned to permanent residence, an all-time high.

Related products

• News Release: IRCC improves the processing of student applications from China, India, Vietnam and the Philippines
• News Release: Student Direct Stream expanded to Pakistan
• Meeting our objectives: Francophone Immigration Strategy (PDF, 582 KB)
• Building on success: International Education Strategy (2019-2024)

Associated links

• Study, work and stay in Canada
• Get a study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream
• Francophone immigration (outside Quebec)