SDS applicants will have four new eligible language tests. Reportedly, IRCC agreed to approve four additional language tests for the Student Direct Stream applicants. These tests will become officially eligible onwards August 10, 2023.
SDS applicants will have four new eligible language tests
This implies that the department will begin to accept language test results from the following:
- CELPIP General
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT Test
Results from every test must show proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Each of the four language-speaking abilities on the CELPIP general exams must have a score that is at least equal to the Canadian Language Benchmark of 7.
Results from the academic CAEL and Pearson PTE tests must indicate a minimum score of 60.
A score of 83 is required on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test.
These assessments must be taken in person by students. Tests proctored online or remotely will not be approved for applicants to the SDS.
IELTS General and IELTS Academic were the two tests the IRCC had previously approved for SDS applicants.
What is the Student Direct Stream?
Students from particular nations can expedite the processing of their study permits through the SDS. Students who are legal residents of the following countries are eligible:
- Antigua
- Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Costa Rica
- Colombia
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent
- the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
Canada has a service standard of 20 days for all applications for study permits that qualify for SDS. The SDS took effect in 2018 and is especially popular among foreign students from India.
The SDS applicants will have four new eligible language tests – what about the eligibility of this stream?
Besides being legal residents of any of the above countries, they must also adhere to the following:
- Submit an acceptance letter copy from a DLI.
- Demonstrate an applicant’s medical exam confirmation document.
- Show proof that they have a GIC of $10,000. (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
- Demonstrate that the first year’s tuition expenses have been paid.
- Provide documentation of language test results obtained within two years of the SDS application’s receipt proving an IELTS score of 6 in English or an NCLC 7 in French.
- Ensure application submission at a Visa Application Centre.
Canada consists of more than 800,000 international students
Canada brought forth more than 800,000 international students toward the end of 2022. This is the highest-ever number in Canadian history. The international student population in this country has increased massively, up to four times since 2002. It is primarily due to the international and domestic factors. On a domestic level, the Canadian government, as well as the DLIs, have rigorously hired international students due to economic, cultural, and social factors. Meanwhile, on a global scale, international students have immensely increased due to the rising number of the global middle class.
Overall, Canada is an enticing destination for international students for several reasons. These range from top-notch education, multicultural set-up, and infinite work opportunities.
