Effective from August 10, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is including four new English language tests for Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants.
The newly approved tests are:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
- Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based test (TOEFL iBT)
Moreover, students can still take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training or Academic tests. Notably, there are changes to the IELTS requirements for SDS applicants starting on August 10th:
- Applying from August 10, 2023, with IELTS Academic requires an overall band score of 6.0
- For those who applied with IELTS Academic before August 10, 2023, a score of 6.0 in each skill (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) is needed
- Applying with IELTS General Training requires a 6.0 in each skill, regardless of the date
To qualify for the SDS, test results should demonstrate proficiency in an official language of Canada (English or French) across speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
For English tests, a minimum total score of:
- 7 for CELPIP General
- 60 for CAEL
- 60 for Pearson Academic
- 83 on TOEFL iBT
It’s important to note that these tests must be taken in-person as online or remote proctored tests aren’t eligible for SDS consideration.
What is the Student Direct Stream? The SDS is a program designed for faster processing of study permits for international students from specific countries. It aims for a processing standard of 20 days for eligible study permit applications.
Eligible countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
To qualify for SDS, students must:
- Be legal residents of specified countries
- Provide a letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Confirm a medical exam
- Possess a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 or more
- Show payment of tuition fees for the first study year
- Provide language test results within two years, meeting SDS scores
- Submit the application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Remember, despite meeting all eligibility criteria, an IRCC officer may reject the application if they’re unsure about the student’s ability to fulfill stay conditions. Check out ways to enhance your study permit approval chances here.
With over 800,000 international students in Canada by the end of 2022, the country’s commitment to attracting students for economic and cultural contributions is evident. This growth is due to both domestic efforts and the global rise in the international student population. Canada’s quality education, diverse culture, and promising post-study career and immigration opportunities have made it a preferred destination for students, even amidst competition from other markets.
