Ease in IELTS Benefits to Apply for Canada Study Visa

6 bands in IELTS Academic are going to be history soon and this will be benefited most to the students who are looking to Study in Canada. Moreover, IELTS General will also be allowed to apply under the Student Direct Stream by the IRCC. Apart from this, four new languages are approved by the IRCC as well, and these are as follow

• PTE –  Academic
• CAEL
• CELPIP General
• TOEFL iBT

As per the latest update by the IRCC and IDP, after 10th August 2023, Canada Study Visa applications will be no longer required 6 bands in each module in IELTS Academic from students. For instance, if any student will have a score of 5.5 bands in any two modules and 6.5 bands other two modules with an overall 6.0 bands score. Then the student will be eligible to study in Canada.

Checkout Eligible to Study in Canada

Moreover, along with the change, the IRCC will also validate the IELTS – General module test. However, the score criteria are different than the IELTS – Academic test. For instance, if students would apply for their Canada Student Visa then their score must be at least according to Canadian Language Benchmark – 7, which means at least 6.0 bands in each module.

Canada Immigration Gazzate Information

The amendment is been mentioned in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 157, Number 21: GOVERNMENT NOTICES, 

Source – https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2023/2023-05-27/html/notice-avis-eng.html#ne1

Confirmation From the IDP

On the other end, IDP has also confirmed the update and published it on its official website.

Source: https://ielts.idp.com/lp/changes-to-sds-language-requirements-for-canada

Four New Tests Valid For Canada Student Visa

Immigration, Refugee & Citizenship Canada has also approved the eligibility of the below given four tests as well.

• PTE – A Pearson Test of English (Academic)
• CAEL – Prometric’s Canadian Academic English Language
• CELPIP (G) – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program – General
• TOEFL iBT – Test of English as a Foreign Language

Here are the basic minimum score required for the SDS stream in all valid English language tests.

English Language Test	Minimum Score Needed for SDS
IELTS Academic	Overall 6.0
IELTS General Training	6.0 in each module
PTE Academic	Overall 60
CAEL	Overall 60
CELPIP General	7.0 in each module
TOEFL iBT	Overall 83

What Is Student Direct Stream?

The stream is helpful to those students who would like to apply for Canada Study Visa and pursue higher education in the country. Student Direct Stream supports to accelerate visa processing and helps students to get a quick visa outcome. As per the rule, only the listed below countries’ citizens are eligible to apply under the stream.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• India
• Morocco
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Philippines
• Senegal
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vietnam

Also Read: Difference Between SDS And Non-SDS

Benefits of SDS

There are several benefits to applying for a visa under the stream like

• The visa process time is quick
• Minimum financial documentations
• No need to show any funds or savings
• From 10th August 23, four new tests as well as IELTS (G) will be accepted.

Eligibility Criteria For SDS

• Language score must be 6.0 bands in each or higher. However, with the change it may differ.
• The language score must be completed within two years of the date of the SDS application
• Must deposit the amount of CAD 10,000, through Guaranteed Investment Certificate in any Canadian bank which is approved by the IRCC.
• Submit proof of the first year’s full tuition fee payment.
• Additionally, submit a letter of acceptance from post-secondary of colleges or universities, a recently passed educational certificate and an upfront medical examination letter.

Conclusion

There are plenty of changes coming in Canada for the January 2024 intake. So if you are a student and would like to pursue your higher education in Canada then this would be an appropriate time to at least start your process with English language test preparation.

Know More: Canada Declared January 2024 Intake