International students hoping to study in Canada have excellent news from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For candidates for the Student Direct Stream (SDS), the IRCC has increased the list of acceptable English language examinations as of August 10, 2023. This modification intends to give additional options and freedom to students who want to pursue their educational aspirations in Canada.

Newly Approved Tests

IRCC will now accept language test results from four extra exams starting on the date specified:

• CELPIP Basic
• CAEL
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT Exam

The SDS application procedure includes these exams to evaluate applicants' proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.

Moreover, the following are the new language test requirements for SDS applicants:

• For CELPIP General, a score in each language speaking ability is at least equal to the Canadian Language Benchmark 7.
• CAEL and Pearson PTE Academic tests require a minimum score of 60
• Minimum TOEFL iBT test score of 83.

Prior to this, IRCC only accepted IELTS General and IELTS Academic for SDS candidates. With more options now available, more international students are invited to experience Canadian educational prospects thanks to the extension of recognised tests.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Application processing for study permits is expedited through the SDS. Students from a few particular nations, such as Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Vietnam, etc., are the target audience for this programme. Students from these nations can take advantage of the SDS's 20-day processing time for study permit applications.

The following requirements must be met by students in order to be eligible for the SDS:

• Be a citizen or national of one of the countries listed.
• Present an admission letter from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Prove possession of a $10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
• Demonstrate the payment of the first year's tuition.
• Deliver reliable results of language tests, demonstrating an English IELTS score of 6 or a French NCLC score of 7, obtained within two years of the SDS application.
• Use a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit the application.

This recent change is consistent with Canada's dedication to providing a top-notch education to its international students. By the end of 2022, the nation had more than 800,000 international students studying there. This growth underlines the appeal of the country, which is fueled by its excellent education, multicultural atmosphere, and promising post-study employment.

FAQS

Which countries can participate in the SDS programme?

Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam are among the nations that qualify for the SDS.

Are the language tests available online?

No, all SDS applicants must take their language examinations in person. Tests that are proctored remotely or online are not approved.

What prior SDS language test alternatives were available?

Prior to this modification, IRCC only accepted IELTS General and IELTS Academic for SDS applicants.