Canada now accepts 4 new English tests for study visas under SDS category
- Canada will now accept new language tests for the expedited route to get Study Permits. Applicants from 14 countries, including India, can get a study permit within 20 days under SDS.
- Effective August 10, 2023, there will be 4 newly-approved English language tests for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) to get a Canada study permit, commonly referred to as a Canada study visa. New language tests will now be accepted for SDS.
- A valid language test result meeting the minimum score requirement is needed to be eligible for the SDS. With newly-approved tests, there will be a difference in the language requirements based on whether you applied before August 10, 2023, or applied on or after August 10, 2023.
- There are particular eligibility requirements to be met to be granted a Canadian Study Permit by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What are the new language tests accepted by IRCC for SDS?
From August 10, 2023, IRCC will accept 4 newly-approved test results as proof of proficiency in the English language.
The four new English language exams accepted by SDS are mentioned below.
- You will have to appear for the test in-person. Online tests will not be accepted by IRCC for SDS.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academics
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
How many language tests are approved for SDS for Study Permit?
With the addition of 4 tests, there are now a total of 6 English language tests approved for SDS.
| Proficiency Exams | Required Scores |
| CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) | Minimum of 60 scores with results from all four language skills. |
| CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) | Students need a score that is equivalent to a (CLB) Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or more for each skill |
| PTE Academics (Pearson Test of English) | Minimum of 60 scores with results from all four language skills |
| TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Minimum of 83 scores with results from all four language skills |
| IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) | A minimum score of 6 bands with the result from all four language skills |
| IELTS General | Students need a score that is equivalent to a (CLB) Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or more for each skill |
IELTS Requirement for SDS Updated
IRCC has also changed the IELTS requirement to be eligible for the Student Direct Stream to get a study visa for Canada.
| IELTS Requirement for Student Direct Stream | |
| For those who applied before August 10, 2023 | For those who applied on or after August 10, 2023 |
| Score of 6 or more in each language ability: – listening – reading – writing – speaking | An overall band score of 6.0 (and not in each of the 4 abilities as previously) |
What is Student Direct Stream?
- SDS is a quicker way to secure a permit to study overseas in Canada as an international student. Generally, SDS applications are processed within 20 days.
Which countries are eligible for SDS?
Under the SDS study visa, there are a total of 14 countries eligible, which are mentioned below.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- Costa Rica
- Colombia
- China
- India
- Morocco
- Peru
- Philippines
- Pakistan
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Senegal
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
