Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the acceptance of language test results for applicants applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Effective August 10, 2023, IRCC will now recognize the test scores to include four additional English language tests.
The newly approved tests are the CELPIP General, CAEL, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT Test.
To meet the eligibility criteria, applicants must have proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Specifically, the CELPIP General requires a score of at least 7 in each speaking ability according to the Canadian Language Benchmark. CAEL and Pearson PTE Academic test takers must achieve a minimum score of 60, while the Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test necessitates a minimum score of 83.
It should be noted that these tests must be taken in person, as online and remotely proctored tests will not be accepted for SDS applicants. This change represents a significant development, as previously only IELTS General and IELTS Academic were accepted by IRCC for SDS applicants.
What is SDS or Student Direct Stream?
SDS or Student Direct Stream is designed to speed up the study permits process for students from certain nations such as India, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Vietnam, Antigua, and Barbuda.
The SDS mandates a 20-day turnaround time for all study permit applications. The SDS has grown significantly in popularity since its introduction in 2018, especially among students from India.
How to Become Eligible for SDS?
Students must fulfil several requirements to be eligible for the SDS. These requirements include
- Submitting a copy of their acceptance letter from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Showing proof of ownership of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth $10,000
- Demonstrating payment of first-year tuition fees
- Submitting language test results within two years of the SDS application with a minimum IELTS score of 6 in English or NCLC 7 for French
Canada is On the Way to Becoming the Largest Global Study
According to the IRCC data for 2022, over 800,000 foreign students are living in Canada. And this is a record-high number of students in the nation. Thanks to the factors like world-class education systems, quality of living, healthcare system and other favourable variables. Moreover, the Canadian government has made its visa policies lenient for international students.
For more updates on immigration to Canada, get in touch with our immigration experts.
