Student Direct Stream of Canada is now open to four additional language tests

With effect from August 10, 2023, Canadian Immigration Department, i.e. IRCC has integrated four newly announced English language tests for Student Direct Stream (SDS) candidates. SDS speed up visa processing for international students applying to Canadian educational institutions from selected nations.

Newly accepted language tests for SDS

The new list of approved language tests include:

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General;
• Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL); and
  
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic;
  
• Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based test (TOEFL iBT).
  

Explore your options to study in Canada

In addition to the newly announced tests, students can opt for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training or Academic exams. It is crucial to understand that the modifications to IELTS requisites for SDS will take effect on August 10th.

• If are applying from the 10th of August 2023, with IELTS Academic, an overall band score (the average of all individual skill section scores) of 6.0 is required;
• If you applied with IELTS Academic before the 10th of August 2023, you’ll need a score of 6.0 in each skill (speaking, listening, reading and writing); and
  
• If you’re applying with IELTS General Training, you will still need a 6.0 in each skill section, before or after 10th August 2023.
  

To be eligible for SDS, all test results must exhibit a comprehensive command of a CLB (English or French), covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities. Specifically, English-testing students need a minimum total score of:

• 7 for CELPIP General tests; or
• 60 for CAEL tests; or
  
• 60 for Pearson Academic tests; or
  
• 83 on TOEFEL iBT tests.
  

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Canadian Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an immigration pathway designed to accelerate study permit processing for eligible foreign students from selected countries applying to Canadian universities and colleges. Introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), SDS requires candidates to prove their language proficiency in English or French through approved language tests.