New Rules For Canada Study Visa: IRCC is now accepting 4 new English tests for study visas via Student Direct Stream (SDS) applications submitted after August 10, 2023.
- The 4 new English tests approved for SDS study visas are:
INC – Immigration News Canada first reported this news on May 26, 2023.
To apply for a study visa under the SDS, you must complete these language examinations in-person. Online or home-based examinations are NOT acceptable.
In total, there are now 10 English or French language proficiency tests for the SDS study visa. Below are all the tests and their score requirements:
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test: You need a CAEL Test minimum score of 60 with results from all four language abilities.
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): You need a CELPIP score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for CELPIP scores.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: You need a PTE Academic minimum score of 60 with results from all four language abilities.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: You need a TOEFL iBT minimum score of 83 with results from all four language abilities.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: You need an IELTS Academic minimum score of 6 with results from each of the four language abilities.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General: You need an IELTS General score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for IELTS General scores.
- Test de connaissance du français (TCF) Canada: You need a TCF score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for TCF scores.
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- Test de connaissance du français (TCF) tout public: You need a TCF tout public minimum score of 400 with results from all four language abilities.
- Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) Canada: You need a TEF score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for TEF scores.
- Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) 5 épreuves: You need a minimum TEF 5 épreuves score of 400 with results from all four language abilities. Note: The Lexique/Structure ability isn’t required for SDS.
What is the new rule for Canada study visa?
As of August 10, 2023 Canada is now accepting four new English language proficiency tests that include CAEL, CELPIP, PTE, and TOEFL iBT.
Furthermore, IRCC is now permitting SDS study visa applicant to submit an application with overall 6 bands with 5.5 in 1-2 modules.
What countries are eligible for Canada study visa via SDS (Student Direct Stream)?
There are total of 14 countries eligible for a Canada study permit under SDS namely; Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam.
Source: Satinder Bains/INC