Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is implementing four newly approved language tests for Canada’s Student Direct Stream, starting from 10 August 2023.  

The four new approved English tests are as follows: 

  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program or 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). 

The applicants may also take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training or Academic tests in addition to the above-mentioned tests. For Student Direct Stream, the following modifications to the IELTS requirements will also be effective from 10 August.  

  • A total band score of 6.0 is required if you are applying with IELTS Academic beginning the 10th of August 2023. (Band score is the average of all individual skill section scores); 
  • You will require a score of 6.0 in each skill, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, in case you applied with IELTS Academic prior to 10 August 2023; and 
  • You will still need a 6.0 score in each skill section if you are applying for IELTS General Training before or after 10 August 2023. 

In order to qualify for the Student Direct Stream (SDS), students all test results must demonstrate a strong command of Canada’s official language, English or French, including competency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 

Particularly, Students must achieve at least a total score of the following in English testing: 

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

It’s notable that all these tests must be performed in person. Online or remotely inspected tests will not be considered for the applicants of Student Direct Stream. 

Canada’s Student Direct Stream: What is it?  

Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program for international students originating from specific nations which expedites the processing of study permits. For eligible study permit applications, the program tries to maintain a 20-day processing business standard. 

For Canada’s SDS, the eligible countries are: 

  • 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 eligibility requirements for Canada’s Student Direct Stream? 

To be eligible for the SDS, students must meet the following requirements: 

  • They must be a legal resident of one of the eligible countries for SDS; 
  • They must submit a copy of the letter of acceptance from the Canadian DLI (Designated Learning Institution) 
  • They must submit proof of an upfront medical examination; 
  • They must submit proof that they have obtained a GIC, i.e., a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of $10,000; 
  • They must submit their study application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC); 
  • They must submit proof that they have been paid the tuition fees for the first year of study; and 
  • They must submit proof of language test results which must be acquired within two years of the reception of the application, demonstrating the eligibility test scores for the SDS.  

It should be noted that as per the SDS program guidelines for government officers, even if all the eligibility conditions are met, an IRCC officer may still decline the application if they believe it lacks sufficient proof that the international students can complete the conditions of their stay in Canada. 

Canada & International Student Immigration. 

As of the results of Canada’s special measures, Canada welcomed over 800,000 international students at the conclusion of the year 2022. This was the highest number of international students who immigrated to Canada in Canada’s history. Because of the combination of international and external factors, this was almost ten times increase in the number of international students since 2008. Notably, the Canadian government and Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) have made additional efforts to attract international students in order to contribute to Canada’s economy, societal diversity, and cultural richness. Globally, the middle-class population has increased, which led to the growth in the number of international students. Canada is an educational hub, and international students from across the world are attracted to quality education, multicultural reputation, and thriving careers. Canada offers immigration prospects it offers after study even more than other popular countries for education, like the United States.