Canada Is Now Accepting 4 New English Tests For Study Visas
The Canadian Government has announced that it is now accepting 4 new English tests for study visas via the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program.
This means that students from eligible countries who want to study in Canada now have more options when it comes to proving their English language proficiency.
The new English tests that are accepted for SDS study visas are:
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT
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To be eligible for a Student Direct Stream study visa, you must take one of these tests and meet the minimum score requirements.
The minimum scores for each test are:
CAEL: 60 overall scores with results from all four language abilities
CELPIP: 7 or higher for each language ability
PTE Academic: 60 overall scores with results from all four language abilities
TOEFL iBT: 83 overall scores with results from all four language abilities
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In addition to meeting the minimum language requirements, you must also meet the other eligibility criteria for a Student Direct Stream (SDS) study visa, such as having a valid acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, proof of financial support, and a medical exam.
The new rules for SDS study visas are effective as of August 10, 2023. If you are planning to study in Canada and are from an eligible country, you should take advantage of the new English tests that are now accepted for Student Direct Stream applications.
This will give international students more options when it comes to proving their English language proficiency and could help them get their study visas approved more quickly.
FAQs
What is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program?
The SDS program is an expedited study permit processing program for students from eligible countries who are accepted to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. SDS applicants typically receive a decision on their study permit application within 20 business days.
Which countries are eligible for the SDS program?
There are currently 14 countries that are eligible for the SDS program: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.
What are the new English language test requirements for SDS study visas?
In addition to the IELTS Academic test, the SDS program now accepts the CAEL Test, the CELPIP Test, the PTE Academic Test, and the TOEFL iBT Test.
CAEL: 60 overall scores with results from all four language abilities
CELPIP: 7 or higher for each language ability
PTE Academic: 60 overall scores with results from all four language abilities
TOEFL iBT: 83 overall scores with results from all four language abilities
What is the processing time for a non-SDS study visa application?
Processing times for non-SDS study visa applications can vary depending on your individual circumstances and the visa office you apply through. However, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it can generally take up to 90 days or longer to process a non-SDS application.
Can I take the English test online?
Currently, none of the accepted English language tests for Canadian study permits (CELPIP, PTE, TOEFL iBT, or CAEL) offer an entirely online testing option. There may be computer-based testing components, but in-person components are still mandatory.
What are the other documents required for a study visa application?
Valid acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
Proof of financial support to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in Canada
Medical exam results
Passport and travel documents
What are the post-study work permit options in Canada?
International students who graduate from a Canadian DLI program may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The length of the PGWP typically corresponds to the duration of your study program, up to a maximum of three years.
What scholarships are available for international students in Canada?
There are various scholarships available for international students in Canada, offered by the government, universities, and private organizations. Researching scholarship options can be time-consuming, so consider using scholarship search engines or contacting the financial aid office at your chosen universities.
FINAL THOUGHTS
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