Four New English Test Approved for SDS

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program has been updated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Effective August 10, 2023, the IRCC will expand the accepted English language tests for SDS applicants to include four additional options. This ruling is anticipated to broaden the pool of qualified students eligible to seek study permits through the SDS program.

The recently approved tests include:

The following standardized tests are commonly used to assess English language proficiency: CELPIP General, CAEL, PTE Academic, and the TOEFL iBT Test. These tests evaluate the fundamental language abilities, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The CELPIP General Test mandates a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in all four language abilities for applicants. The CAEL and Pearson PTE Academic exams necessitate a minimum score of 60, whereas the Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test mandates a minimum score of 83.In-person testing is mandatory. The IRCC does not accept online, remotely proctored tests for SDS applicants. The Canadian government introduced the Student Direct Stream program in 2018 to hasten the processing of study permit applications for international students from particular nations who meet certain eligibility requirements.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) facilitates the accelerated processing of study permits for eligible students from designated countries. The aforementioned countries are 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. The SDS program has gained popularity, especially among Indian international students, since its inception in 2018.
What are the eligibility criteria for the SDS?

The individual’s country of residence is only one factor in determining SDS eligibility. In addition, students are required to fulfill various additional requirements.

Please provide a letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Provide a document confirming the upfront medical examination.
Demonstrate possession of a $10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).
Demonstrate payment of first-year tuition fees.
Provide language test results taken within two years of the SDS application submission, indicating an IELTS score of 6 for English or an NCLC score of 7 for French.
The application should be submitted at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Canada is a popular destination for international students.

Canada is a favourite location for global students. Canada had a record-breaking number of over 800,000 international students by the end of 2022. The number has increased fourfold since 2008 due to multiple domestic and international factors.

The Canadian government and designated learning institutions (DLIs) have intensified their efforts to attract international students for various reasons. The rationales comprise economic advantages, enhancement of social and cultural milieu, and acquisition of talent. The growth of the global middle class has contributed to the increase in the international student population on a global scale. Canada’s reputation for high-quality education, multiculturalism, and opportunities for work and immigration make it an appealing destination for international students.

The inclusion of four additional English language proficiency assessments in the SDS program is a favourable advancement that corresponds with Canada’s pledge to enhance accessibility for global students. Prospective students considering Canada for their future studies will likely welcome this news.