IRCC Introduces 4 New Language Tests for SDS: According to a recent report, (IRCC) Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced that they would accept the four additional language test results for (SDS) Student Direct Stream applicants.
This news will help the students enlarge their options to study in Canada. These four test results demonstrate writing, speaking, reading, and listening abilities. IRCC will start accepting the new test results effective August 10, 2023. In this blog, we have discussed IRCC introduces 4 new language tests for SDS.
What Are The IRCC Introduces 4 New Language Tests for SDS
IRCC announced they can now start accepting the 4 new language test results for Student Direct Stream applicants. They can start taking the test results from August 10, 2023. The new 4 approved tests are
- CELPIP General
- CAEL
- PTE Academic, and
- TOEFL iBT Test
All of these test results prove the student’s language proficiency in reading, speaking, writing, and listening.
Specific requirements for each test include:
| Language Tests | Required Scores For SDS |
| CELPIP General | You must score equal to the Canadian Language Benchmark minimum of 7 in all four language-speaking skills. |
| CAEL | It requires a minimum score of 60. |
| PTE Academic | It also requires a minimum score of 60. |
| TOEFL iBT Test | It requires a minimum score of 83. |
Note:- Students must take these language tests in person. Because online and proctored tests will not be approved by IRCC for SDS applicants.
Previously, only IELTS Academic and IELTS General were the only tests IRCC could accept for SDS applicants. Adding these 4 new language tests offers students more flexibility and opportunities to fulfill the language proficiency requirements.
After knowing IRCC introduces 4 new language tests for SDS, you must understand what SDS is.
What is Student Direct Stream (SDS) Program?
SDS is known as Student Direct Stream, and it is an expedited study visa program for those students who want to apply to study in Canada at a post-secondary program in a designated learning institution (DLI). The SDS program is available for those legal citizens who also live in
- India
- Antigua and Barbuda
- China
- Brazil
- Costa Rica
- Colombia
- Pakistan
- Morocco
- Peru
- Senegal
- Philippines
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Senegal
- Vietnam
- Trinidad and Tobago
This program aims to facilitate the entry of overseas students into Canada and boost academic opportunities for those from these countries. Using the SDS (Student Direct Stream) program, international students may receive their study visas more efficiently and faster. The processing time of the SDS application is complete within 20 calendar days if the student’s eligibility requirements are completed.
Eligibility Requirements For SDS Applicants
To be eligible for Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, students from the countries mentioned above must complete the following requirements.
- You must provide a valid copy of a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Submit a confirmation document for the student’s upfront medical exam certificate.
- Prove that they received a (GIC) Guaranteed Investment Certificate of $10,000;
- Show proof of payment of your tuition fees for the first year of study are paid;
- You need to submit your valid language test results that will be completed within 2 years of the SDS application showing an IELTS exam score of 6 in English or NCLC 7 for French.
- Submit your visa application at a Visa Application Centre.
So, it is all about IRCC Introduces 4 New Language Tests for SDS.
