Canada’s Student Direct Stream approved new language tests recently. IRCC will implement four newly authorized English language tests for applicants to the Student Direct Stream (SDS) as of August 10, 2023.
Canada’s Student Direct Stream approved new language tests
The approved language tests include the following:
- (CELPIP) – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General;
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic;
- TOEFL Internet-Based Test; and
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
Students can also take General Training or Academic tests for the International English Language Testing System in addition to these exams. On August 10th, the following modifications to the IELTS criteria for the SDS will become effective.
- IELTS Academic with a least overall band score of 6.0 (the sum of all individual skill component scores) is necessary for applicants starting on August 10, 2023;
- If you registered with IELTS Academic before August 10, 2023, you must have a score of 6.0 in each skill section (speaking, listening, reading, and writing);
- If you registered with IELTS General Training before or after August 10, 2023, you’ll continue to require a 6.0 in each skill component.
All test scores must demonstrate a thorough mastery of one of Canada’s two official languages (French or English) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing to qualify for the SDS.
Students taking the English test must obtain a total score of a minimum of:
- CELPIP General tests – score of 7
- CAEL tests – score of 60.
- Pearson Academic tests – 60 points
- TOEFEL iBT tests – score of 83
It’s imperative to note that these tests must be done in person because digital or virtually administered tests are unacceptable for selection as SDS applicants.
Student Direct Stream
For international students from particular countries, the SDS program offers expedited processing of study visas. Furthermore, the program aims to keep the processing time for qualified study permit applications at 20 calendar days.
Antigua and Barbuda, China, India, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Senegal, Saint Vincent, Philippines, the Grenadines, Vietnam, Trinidad, and Tobago are on the list of nations qualifying.
Students who wish to apply for SDS must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the nations listed;
- A copy of an acceptance letter from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is compulsory.
- Provide proof of a first medical examination;
- Own a $10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) or be able to establish that they have acquired one;
- Show proof that the first year’s tuition has been paid;
- To qualify for the SDS, you must provide evidence of language test results obtained within two years of the application’s receipt.
- Visit a Visa Application Center (VAC) to submit your application.
Be aware that regardless of whether these eligibility criteria are met, an IRCC officer may reject the application. This will happen if they believe it lacks sufficient evidence that the international student can fulfill the terms of their stay in Canada. Additionally, these terms will be according to the program standards for government personnel.
Canada housed over 80,000 international students (for the first time ever) at the end of 2022. This itself reflects the success of these measures. Due to a blend of internal and external forces, this statistic shows an almost 10-fold growth since 2008. For their contribution to the economy, societal diversity, and cultural richness, domestically, the Canadian government and DLIs have become increasingly assertive in luring overseas students.
Conclusion
Globally, the increase in middle-class populations has led to a growth in overseas students. Overall, Canada is a center for education because of the high standard of instruction, multicultural reputation, and attractive employment. Moreover, it offers immigration opportunities after graduation. This proves to have a competitive advantage over other nations with large populations of international students, such as the United States.
