Through Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) new SDS program, international students applying to Canadian universities and colleges can expect a faster visa processing time. In the latest news, IRCC has officially revealed that it would accept the results of four additional language examinations from candidates in Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Through Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) new SDS program, international students applying to Canadian universities and colleges can expect a faster visa processing time. In the latest news, IRCC has officially revealed that it would accept the results of four additional language examinations from candidates in Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Starting on August 10, 2023, IRCC will start accepting test results from these four new English language tests.
What\’s New In Student Direct Stream (SDS)?
For foreign students wishing to apply in the SDS program and study in Canada, the IELTS was a crucial requirement. In order to be admitted to the majority of Canadian universities and colleges, international students must demonstrate their proficiency in English, which is the primary language of instruction. Therefore, IELTS was essential for SDS as proof that the student was proficient in English.
But as per as the latest news, there are 4 more english language tests that will be now acceptable by IRCC
- CELPIP General
- CAEL
- Pearson PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT Test
Results from every test must show proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. These are some quick facts about the new English language tests:
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- Each of the four language speaking abilities on the CELPIP general exams must have a score that is at least equal to the Canadian Language Benchmark of 7, in each of the 4 modules of this test.
- CELPIP score ranges from 0-12 and 7 bands each in listening, reading, speaking, and writing will be acceptable for SDS (Student direct stream).
- Cost of CELPIP generally is $280 + taxes.
- A major advantage of CELPIP General is that it is also accepted by permanent residency programs such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- As a result, an international student with a CELPIP general and a study permit can use the same test for their permanent residency application.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language)
- A test of Canadian English competency is the Canadian Academic English Language exam. CAEL costs $280 plus taxes, which is the same as CELPIP.
- Scores on the CAEL range from 10 to 90. The SDS will accept a score of 60 for study permits to Canada.
- More than 40 CAEL exam centres in countries including China, India, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada provide it.
- In order to assess the four areas of language ability, CAEL takes around three and a half hours to complete.
Pearson PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
- PTE Academic evaluates each of the four elements of English language proficiency in a two-hour exam.
- PTE Academic costs $330 + applicable taxes.
- The scores you receive for writing, speaking, listening, and reading range from 10 to 90. To be eligible to apply for study permits under SDS, you must receive a score of 60.
TOEFL iBT Test
- TOEFL iBT stands for Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language
- A score of 83 or above on the Educational Testing Service, TOEFL iBT Test will be required for a Canada study visa under SDS.
- The four iBT components are each worth 30 points, with scores ranging from 0 to 120.
- This test costs $240 USD, which will translate to $330 CAD or might cost more owing to currency conversion.
Canada Has Over 800,000 Foreign Students Today.
Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada Announced at the end of 2022 that Canada has become the largest community for immigration and multicultural where it has invited over 8,00,000 foreign students. Canada is now a home of many students pursuing higher education.
- Several national and international factors have contributed to the quadrupling of the number of international students in Canada since 2008.
- For a variety of economic, social, and cultural reasons, the Canadian government and DLIs have increased their efforts to attract international students domestically.
- The expansion of the global middle class has contributed to an increase in the number of overseas students worldwide.
- Canada\’s excellent standard of instruction, reputation for multiculturalism, and chances for employment and immigration make it a desirable location for overseas students.