Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has newly announced an important development for international students who show interest in pursuing education in Canada. This change will be effective from August 10, 2023, and apart from the formerly accepted International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and General tests, the candidates to the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) program will have the choice to submit English proficiency test results from four additional providers.
The recently eligible tests for SDS are:
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) General
- CAEL (The Canadian Academic English Language Test)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic
- TOEFL iBT Test (Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Lowest Eligibility Score For The English Language Tests
All the above 4 tests have to show the skills across the diverse language proficiency domains like Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
CELPIP General
The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General test results should showcase a score that is similar to the Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB) of a minimum of 7 points.
CAEL
The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) test results should demonstrate a minimum score of 60.
PTE Academic
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic test results should demonstrate a minimum score of 60.
TOEFL iBT Test
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT test results should demonstrate a lowest score of 83.
Students should have to attend these language tests in person. Online, remote proctor tests will not be accepted for the SDS candidates. Following this change, IELTS General and IELTS Academic were the only tests accepted by IRCC for SDS aspirants.
What Is The Student Direct Stream?
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) provides an advanced study permit processing program for those students who are applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI). The SDS is available to authorized residents who also reside in the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
Who All Are Eligible For The SDS Program?
To be qualified for the SDS processing, the candidates require to include the below-mentioned documents:
- Valid Language test result
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) proof
- Full first-year tuition fee payment proof
- Post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI)‘s letter of acceptance.
- Most recent educational transcript of secondary or post-secondary
- Upfront medical examination completion proof
Ensure to meet the above eligibility criteria when you plan to apply for the SDS program.
Canada Accommodated Around 800,000 International Students In 2022
According to the recent report of IRCC, Canada is now the home of around 800,000 overseas students. The country hosted this number of students at the end of 2022, which is the greatest count in the history of the nation.
Due to several national and international aspects, Canada’s international student population has multiplied since 2008. Nationally, the Canadian government and DLIs have more seriously recruited international students for a host of financial, social, and cultural aspects.
Internationally, the global student population has increased due to the rise in the universal middle class. Furthermore, Canada is known as an ideal destination for international students due to its excellent education standard, multicultural status, and work and immigration prospects.
Having trouble with the study visa application process? Then don’t worry as Aramvisas is here to rescue you! Our team of experts will assist you accordingly until you migrate to Canada. So, don’t delay to contact us and get ready to experience world-class education in your dream destination!