4 New English Tests Now Valid for Canadian Study Visa

Starting from August 10, 2023, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has commenced the acceptance of four additional English language proficiency tests for study visa applications through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). This expansion provides greater flexibility for applicants seeking to study in Canada, allowing them to choose from a broader range of English assessment options.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) study visa program now accepts the following four new English language tests for visa applicants:

1. Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
2. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
3. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
4. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT

To pursue a study visa through the SDS program, these language tests must be completed in a face-to-face situation. Online or home-based assessments will not be accepted for this purpose.

All Approved Tests for SDS Study Visa Applicants

The SDS study visa program now offers a comprehensive selection of 10 English or French language proficiency tests. Listed below are the various tests along with their corresponding score requirements:

Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test:

• Minimum Score: 60 (across all four language abilities)

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP):

• Equivalence: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 or higher for each ability

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic:

• Minimum Score: 60 (across all four language abilities)

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT:

• Minimum Score: 83 (across all four language abilities)

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic:

• Minimum Score: 6 (across all four language abilities)

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General:

• Equivalence: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 or higher for each ability

Test de connaissance du français (TCF) Canada:

• Equivalence: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 or higher for each ability

Test de connaissance du français (TCF) tout public:

• Minimum Score: 400 (across all four language abilities)

Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) Canada:

• Equivalence: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 or higher for each ability

Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) 5 épreuves:

• Minimum Score: 400 (across all four language proficiencies) [Please note: Lexique/Structure competency is not mandatory for SDS].

What Is the New Study Visa Rule for Canada?

Effective August 10, 2023, Canada has introduced the acceptance of four additional English language proficiency tests, namely CAEL, CELPIP, PTE, and TOEFL iBT.

Moreover, the IRCC has also announced a modification to the SDS study visa application criteria, allowing applicants to submit their applications with an overall IELTS score of 6 bands, with a minimum score of 5.5 in 1-2 individual modules.

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a streamlined visa processing program introduced by the Government of Canada. It is designed to facilitate the efficient and quicker processing of study permit applications for international students who intend to study in Canada. The program aims to provide a simplified and expedited pathway for eligible students from select countries, allowing them to obtain their study permits more efficiently. To be eligible for SDS, students must be legal residents of one of the following countries:

1. Pakistan
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Brazil
4. China
5. Colombia
6. Costa Rica
7. India
8. Morocco
9. Peru
10. Philippines
11. Senegal
12. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
13. Trinidad and Tobago
14. Vietnam