Study Abroad: IELTS monopoly ends as IRCC Approved 4 new English Tests for Study Visa under SDS Category

Recently, the Canadian government announced the termination of the IELTS monopoly for the Canadian student visa application process under the Student Direct Stream category. 

This decision will be effective from August 10, 2023. So, under the new regulations, applicants can now submit English language results from the different language tests. 

These include the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General, Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test, Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT.

This expansion of acceptable language proficiency exams offers greater flexibility to international students. This will eventually widen their choices. Of the four additional language proficiency exams, PTE and TOEFL are particularly popular in Canada and other countries. 

PTE proves advantageous for students considering studying in Australia. Whereas, TOEFL is widely accepted in destinations like the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and over 98 per cent of universities in the UK.

What is SDS Category?

The SDS category, a streamlined study permit processing program, targets international students. It is for those who intend to enrol in post-secondary designated learning institutions in Canada. 

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process most SDS applications within 20 calendar days, provided all eligibility requirements are fulfilled.

To qualify for the SDS category, applicants must meet various criteria, which include:

• A legal residency in one of the designated countries
• Possession of an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution.
• Residency outside of Canada
• Payment of first-year tuition fees
• Proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000(approx 6 Lakh)
• Completion of a medical examination
• Submission of a police certificate
• Provision of recent secondary or post-secondary school transcripts along with English language test results.

So, with this progressive move, the Canadian government has enhanced opportunities for international students. Canada has also demonstrated its commitment to attracting global talent and fostering diversity in the country’s educational landscape.

For more such exciting news updates, make sure you contact Leverage Edu to start your study abroad Journey.