Table of Contents
What You Need to Know About the New SDS Canada IELTS Requirements.
You might have heard that there will be some changes to the English language test requirements starting on August 10, 2023, if you intend to study in Canada through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. This article will describe Canada’s IELTS Regulations 2024. Through this, we will guide you on how these changes will impact your application process.
Just what is SDS Canada?
For those who are applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI), the Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program that expedites the study permit processing process.
Legal residents who also live in one of the following nations are eligible to use the SDS.
The islands of Antigua and Barbuda.
Brazil.
China.
Colombia.
Republic of Costa Rica.
India.
Morocco.
Pakistan.
Peru.
The Philippines.
Senegal.
The Grenadines, specifically Saint Vincent.
Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago.
Vietnam.
Applicants must meet Canada’s IELTS Regulations 2024 requirements by supplying documentation upfront to be eligible for SDS. If all eligibility requirements are satisfied, IRCC processes the majority of SDS applications within 20 calendar days.
What has changed regarding IELTS Canada’s Regulations 2024 requirements?
The following changes apply to those who use the SDS program to apply for a study permit in Canada. All you need to apply after August 10 is an IELTS Academic overall band score of 6 points. The prerequisite band score of 6.0 in each of the four skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—has been eliminated.
IELTS 6.0 in each skill is required if you plan to apply with IELTS Academic before August 10th.
If you’re applying with IELTS General Training, you’ll need a minimum band score of 6.0 in each skill before and after August 10, 2023.
The TOEFL internet-based test (iBT), the Pearson PTE Academic, and the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) are the new academic tests that the IRCC will now accept as evidence of English language proficiency for SDS. For their application to be approved, candidates for the SDS visa program must still obtain the aforementioned minimal scores.
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.
- A minimum score of 60 on the CAEL.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 83 overall.
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 60 overall.
What is causing these modifications?
The IRCC claims that these modifications are a part of their efforts to make it simpler for foreign students to study in Canada and to aid the Canadian education sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects. The IRCC hopes to draw more qualified and diverse students to Canada and shorten the time it takes to process SDS applications by accepting more language exams and lowering the minimum IELTS Academic scores.
How will these modification(Canada’s IELTS Regulations 2024) affect you?
These changes will be advantageous to you in many ways if you intend to apply for SDS after August 10, 2023. When taking an English language test, you will have a wider range of options. You will have a wider range of options when taking an English language test. You can choose between the four recognized exams:
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL IBT
- CAEL
- IELTS Academic
If you take IELTS Academic, it will be simpler for you to satisfy the language requirement. Regardless of your scores for each skill, you only need to reach a band score of 6 points overall. If you fulfil all other SDS eligibility requirements, your chances of having your study permit approved sooner will be higher. You must still adhere to the previous requirements if you intend to submit an SDS application before August 10, 2023.Only IELTS or TEF will be available to you as options for an English language test. If you are taking IELTS Academic, you must obtain a minimum band score of 6 in each skill, or if you are taking TEF, a minimum CLB score of 7 in each skill. You will still need to submit your application along with documentation showing that you have paid your first year’s tuition in full, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth at least CAN$ 10,000, medical exam results, and a police clearance.
What is The next step exactly?
If you want to apply for SDS, you should start your application as soon as possible. For the most recent information on the SDS program, language test requirements, and updates, you should also visit the IRCC website. For assistance and guidance, you can also speak with your preferred DLI or a licensed immigration consultant.
It can be gratifying and transformative to study in Canada. You now have a better chance to pursue your academic objectives and aspirations in one of the best nations in the world thanks to the new IELTS requirements for SDS. I wish you luck with your application!