IRCC approves 4 new English language tests for Student Direct Stream
- Team Canada
- May 27, 2023
- 1 min read
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just announced that it will accept language test results from four new tests for Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants.
IRCC will begin to accept test results from these four new tests effective August 10, 2023.
The newly eligible tests are:
CELPIP General
CAEL
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT Test
Prior to this change, IELTS General and IELTS Academic were the only tests approved by IRCC for SDS applicants.
CAEL and Pearson PTE Academic test results must show a minimum score of 60.
Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test need a minimum score of 83.
Students must take these tests in-person. Online, remotely proctored tests will not be accepted for applicants in the SDS.
For the unversed, the SDS offers expedited processing of study permits for students from specific countries. Eligible students are legal residents of: Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, or Vietnam.
IRCC approves 4 new English language tests for Student Direct Stream, giving international students more flexibility while applying to Canada. This update reduces dependency on a single exam and helps students choose a test that suits their strengths. However, IELTS remains a trusted and widely accepted option for SDS and non-SDS pathways. To prepare confidently, candidates can take an ielts free mock test online to understand the exam pattern, assess band score level, and improve performance before booking the actual test.
The IRCC’s approval of 4 new English language tests for the Student Direct Stream is great news for international students aiming to study in Canada, as it broadens the options to prove language proficiency and speeds up the visa process. Similarly, Sunderland University courses are designed to support international students by offering programs that enhance academic skills, language proficiency, and career readiness, making it easier to succeed both in university and in future global opportunities.