The newly approved language tests now accepted for the SDS application include the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General, Canadian Academic English Language, Pearson Test of English Academic, and Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based test or TOEFL iBT.
The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced the inclusion of four recently approved English language tests for applicants applying through the Student Direct Stream effective August 10.
This move aims to streamline the application process and offer more options for international students seeking to study in Canada, the CIC News reported.
The newly approved language tests now accepted for the SDS application include the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General, Canadian Academic English Language, Pearson Test of English Academic, and Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based test or TOEFL iBT.
Alongside these, the International English Language Testing System General Training or Academic tests or IELTS remain acceptable options.
Significant changes have also been made to the IELTS requirements for the SDS, taking effect from August 10. For applicants using IELTS Academic, a minimum overall band score of 6.0 is now required. However, for those who applied with IELTS Academic before the mentioned date, a score of 6.0 in each skill section (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) is mandatory. Similarly, candidates applying with IELTS General Training must achieve a score of 6.0 in each skill section, regardless of the application date.
To qualify for the SDS, applicants must demonstrate proficient command of either English or French, Canada’s official languages. This competence should encompass speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. In terms of English language proficiency, specific minimum scores are anticipated: a score of 7 for CELPIP General tests, a score of 60 for CAEL tests, a score of 60 for Pearson Academic tests, and a score of 83 on TOEFL iBT tests.
These language tests must be taken in person, as online or remotely proctored tests are not deemed eligible for SDS applications.
SDS is an expedited study permit processing program designed for international students from specific countries. It aims to maintain a swift 20-calendar day processing time for eligible study permit applications.
The list of eligible countries includes Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
To meet the eligibility requirements for the SDS, applicants must fulfill several criteria. These include holding legal residency in the specified countries, providing a letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution, confirming the completion of a medical examination, possessing a Guaranteed Investment Certificate worth $10,000 or an equivalent, demonstrating the payment of tuition fees for the first year of study, submitting language test results from the previous two years with qualifying scores, and applying through a Visa Application Centre.
However, meeting all these eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval. IRCC officers still have the authority to reject an application if they believe it lacks sufficient evidence of the applicant’s ability to fulfill the conditions of their stay in Canada.
Canada has witnessed a remarkable surge in its international student population, hosting over 800,000 international students by the end of 2022—a tenfold increase since 2008.
