Canada SDS Category - New Rules for IELTS & PTE for 2023
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced several modifications to streamline the application process for applicants to the SDS (Student Direct Stream). These modifications imply the addition of four more English language tests in addition to the IELTS. The tests listed below will be accepted after 10 August 2023:
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language)
- CELPIP General (Canada English Language Proficiency index program)
- PTE Academic (Center Based)
- TOEFL
Minimum Score Requirement for SDS:
| English Language Test | Minimum Score for SDS |
|---|---|
| PTE ACADEMIC | 60 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 83 |
| CAEL | 60 |
What’s an SDS Program?
The Canadian government launched the Study Direct Stream (SDS) programme in June 2018 to speed up the processing of study permits. It was designed to make applying for a study visa for foreign students from particular nations simpler. The SDS programme was created to improve the overall application process and give eligible students shorter visa processing dates.
Breakdown of Marks Requirement in PTE Academic for SDS:
In order to be accepted into the PTE Academic programme, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements. No individual module score may be lower than a 58, and a minimum overall score of 60 out of 90 is necessary. To be taken into consideration for the programme, you must meet both requirements. It is advised to retake the PTE exam before 10th August if an applicant’s scores are below these cutoff points.
Breakdown of Bands Requirement in IELTS Academic for SDS:
The conditions for candidates have been changed in the case of IELTS, allowing for more flexibility. The requirement that applicants receive a minimum score of 6 on each individual module is no longer in effect. Instead, a minimum overall score of 6 is now required, with no subscore lower than 5.5. This change has greatly simplified the application procedure, allowing students who might have previously failed in one or two modules to potentially use their prior performance, ensuring they reach the overall band requirement of 6.
Conclusion:
The Canadian Government has increased the number of tests that are acceptable for the SDS program. They have also made the criteria for IELTS easier as compared to the previous requirement which will prove quite helpful for students.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Online PTE exam also acceptable?
Well, in this case the answer is no, you must achieve the required score in the center based PTE exam.
Can I use IELTS General Training for my SDS Visa application?
IELTS General Training is accepted for SDS Visa applications by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) under the SDS Study Permit Program. To meet the requirements, applicants need to attain a minimum band score of 6.0 in each component of the test. In contrast, the IELTS Academic test only necessitates an overall or average band score of 6.0.