Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approved 4 new English language test scores that will be accepted for Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a scheme that expedites the processing of study permits for students applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI). So, if you want to know about the announcement read this latest news!
Which Test is Approved by IRCC for Student Direct Stream?
The IRCC will begin accepting test results from these four new tests on August 10, 2023. All test results must demonstrate skill in the following areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The following tests are now eligible:
- CAEL
- CELPIP General
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT Test
CELPIP general exams require a score of at least 7 in each of the four language-speaking abilities, equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmark. CAEL and Pearson PTE Academic test results must be at least 60. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test requires a minimum score of 83. Students must take these exams in person. Online, remotely proctored tests will not be acceptable for SDS applicants.
What exactly is the SDS?
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 and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Colombia, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, or Vietnam. Canada has a service standard of 20 days for all applications for study permits that qualify for SDS.
Who is qualified for the SDS?
Students who meet this requirement must be legal residents of one of the following countries in addition to:
- A copy of the Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) acceptance letter should be provided
- A confirmation of the applicant’s initial medical examination should be presented
- Substantiate having acquired a $10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
- Substantiate the payment of the first year’s tuition
- Produce documentation of language test results from exams taken within two years of submitting the SDS application, demonstrating an IELTS score of 6 for English or an NCLC 7 for French
- Application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Over 800,000 international students are now living in Canada
According to the IRCC By the end of 2022, Canada will have hosted over 800,000 overseas students, the most in the country’s history. Because of a variety of domestic and international reasons, Canada’s global student population has doubled since 2008. Domestically, the Canadian government and DLIs have increased their efforts to recruit international students for a variety of economic, social, and cultural reasons.
Globally, the foreign student population has grown as the global middle class has expanded. Canada is viewed as an appealing location for overseas students due to its high educational level, multinational reputation, and employment and immigration options.
