Canada: Four English Proficiency Language Tests Added by IRCC for Student Direct Stream Applicants

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently made an important announcement regarding the acceptance of language test results for applicants applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Starting from August 10, 2023, IRCC will now recognize the results from four additional tests.

Language Proficiency Requirements and Testing Guidelines for Student Direct Stream (SDS) Applicants in Canada

To fulfill the language proficiency requirements for the newly eligible tests, applicants must demonstrate their abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

For the CELPIP General tests, each of the four language-speaking abilities must receive a minimum score equal to Canadian Language Benchmark 7.

Both the CAEL and Pearson PTE Academic test results must display a minimum score of 60.

A minimum score of 83 is required for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test.

It is mandatory for students applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) to take the language tests in person. Tests that are proctored online or remotely are not allowed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for SDS applicants.

These requirements ensure that applicants possess the necessary language skills to thrive academically and engage effectively in their studies in Canada. By following these guidelines, prospective students can enhance their chances of a successful application process.

Before the implementation of this recent update, IRCC only approved the IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests for SDS applicants.

Students Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program that provides expedited processing of study permits for students from designated countries. 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

One of the key benefits of applying through SDS is the service standard, which ensures that all study permit applications eligible for SDS will be processed within a timeframe of 20 days. This streamlined processing timeline allows eligible students to receive a decision on their study permit application on time, facilitating their plans to study in Canada.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS), which was launched in 2018, has grown significantly in popularity, particularly among students from India who are studying abroad.

Requirements Required for International Students for the Student Direct Stream (SDS)

To be eligible for the Student Direct Stream (SDS), students must meet additional requirements along with being legal residents of specific countries. These requirements include:

Providing a copy of the letter of acceptance received from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This letter confirms that the student has been accepted into a recognized educational program in Canada.

presenting proof of the applicant’s initial medical examination. This document verifies that the student has undergone the necessary medical examination as part of the application process.

Providing proof of having obtained a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least $10,000. This financial document demonstrates that the student has sufficient funds to cover living expenses while studying in Canada.

Demonstrating proof of payment for the tuition fees for the first year of study. This ensures that the student has made the necessary financial arrangements to cover their educational expenses.

Submitting language test results that are not more than two years old at the time of the SDS application. These test results should demonstrate an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6 in English or a level of Niveau de compétence Linguistique Canadien (NCLC) 7 for French.

Applying for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). This is the designated location where the student’s application, along with all the required documents, needs to be submitted for processing.

Following these additional requirements ensures that students meet the necessary criteria for the SDS program and increases the likelihood of a successful application process.

The Surge in International Students

According to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada reached a significant milestone at the end of 2022, hosting over 800,000 international students. This figure represents the largest number of international students in the country’s history. The remarkable growth in Canada’s international student population can be attributed to various domestic and international factors.

Canada has emerged as an attractive destination for international students due to its renowned reputation for providing high-quality education, fostering a multicultural environment, and offering promising work and immigration opportunities.