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According to the official IDP IELTS website, there has been an update regarding the Canada study visa application process through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). As of August 10, 2023, applicants will no longer be required to achieve a score of 6 bands in each module of the IELTS (Academic) test.
Instead, applicants will only need to attain an overall score of 6 on the IELTS Academic test. This change aims to simplify the requirements for SDS applicants, making the process more accessible and streamlined.
Eligibility for Canadian Study Visa under SDS Based on IELTS Scores
To illustrate this with an example, let’s consider a scenario where an applicant has obtained a score of 5.5 in both the Reading and Writing modules and a score of 6.5 in both the Speaking and Listening modules. In this case, their overall score would be 6, meeting the eligibility criteria to apply for a Canadian study visa through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
However, it’s important to note that the IRCC has different requirements for applicants with an IELTS Score under the General Training (GT) format. For GT scores, a band score of 6.0 is necessary for each module, including Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking, to meet the visa application requirements.
Canada Opening Doors for International Students
This development brings great relief to numerous students who previously can’t qualify for the SDS study visa due to having a score lower than 6 in just one or two modules of the IELTS test, despite achieving an overall score higher than 6 bands. The revised requirement now recognizes the overall proficiency of the applicants, offering them an opportunity to qualify for the SDS study visa based on their strong performance in other modules. It opens doors for more students to pursue their educational aspirations in Canada without being hindered by a slight deficit in a specific module.
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have recently given their approval to four additional English language examinations for applicants applying for a Canada Study Visa through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). This expansion in recognized language tests provides students with more options to demonstrate their English proficiency, offering them greater flexibility in the application process. By accepting a wider range of examinations, the IRCC aims to accommodate a diverse pool of applicants and ensure a fair and inclusive visa process for aspiring international students.