Canada now accepts language tests for four new tests under SDS!
[Published
05 Jul, 2023 | 04:58 PM]
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The immigration authority of Canada, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) made an announcement to accept the language test results for any of the four new tests under the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Starting August 10, 2023, IRCC will commence accepting test results from these four newly approved tests -
- CELPIP General
- CAEL
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT Test
Eligibility Requirements for Language Tests
All the results from these tests will indicate the students’ abilities in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. Here is the minimum score required to be eligible -
- CELPIP General
CELPIP or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General test results requires a CLB (Canadian Level Benchmark) of at least 7.
- CAEL
CAEL or Canadian Academic English Language Assessment test results will require a minimum score of 60.
- PTE Academic
For the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic test results, a candidate must score at least 60.
- TOEFL iBT Test
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT test results require candidates to get 83 scores.
All these tests must be taken in person. Any online or remotely taken tests will not be given any importance for applicants in the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Before IRCC made this declaration, IELTS General and IELTS Academic were the only language tests that IRCC approved for SDS applicants.
What is Student Direct Stream (SDS)
Formerly known as the Students Partners Program (SPP), Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a pathway to apply to Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. The Canadian government launched this program to make the process of a Canada Study Visa faster for eligible international students.
If eligible students take part in the SDS, they can benefit from the streamlined visa processing, which will make their study plans in Canada easier. With the ongoing processing times, students can expect to get visa approval under Student Direct Stream (SDS) in 20 days.
Eligibility Requirements for SDS
International students must qualify for the following eligibility criteria under the SDS program in Canada -
- Citizenship of Eligible Country
It is essential that the applicant must be a citizen of the selected countries eligible for SDS. These countries include India, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, Morocco, Senegal, the Philippines, and 14 others.
- Acceptance Letter from a DLI
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school supported by the provincial or territorial government for enrolling international students. So a student must have an acceptance letter from a DLI in Canada to be eligible for SDS.
- Proof of Funds
Applicants must showcase that they have enough funds to cover their living expenses, tuition fees, and return transportation. Bank statements, a student loan from a Canadian financial institution, or proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) must be presented as proof.
- Language Proficiency
It is mandatory for international students to prove their proficiency in English or French, the official Canadian language, by giving valid language test results, which are IRCC approved.
- Medical Examination
Students must take a complete medical exam before applying for a study visa in Canada. They must undergo a medical examination by a panel physician, which is IRCC approved.
Note that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee visa approval. There are additional requirements that may be considered during the visa process. For professional guidance and a smooth application process, connect with an authorized study abroad consultant.
