Your pathway to world class education just got easy.

Starting from August 10, 2023, the IRCC is now welcoming four additional English tests for study visa applications through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).  

The 4 new English tests approved for SDS study visas are:

• Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP),
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic,
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT.

The news was initially reported by INC – Immigration News Canada on May 26, 2023. To pursue a study visa through the SDS, it is imperative to undertake these language assessments in a physical setting. Online or at-home evaluations will NOT be considered valid.

Presently, there are a total of ten English or French language proficiency tests available for the SDS study visa application. Listed below are all the tests along with their respective score prerequisites:

1. Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test: You need a CAEL Test minimum score of 60 with results from all four language abilities.
2. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): You need a CELPIP score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for CELPIP scores.
3. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: You need a PTE Academic minimum score of 60 with results from all four language abilities.
4. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: You need a TOEFL iBT minimum score of 83 with results from all four language abilities.
5. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: You need an IELTS Academic minimum score of 6 with results from each of the four language abilities.
6. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General: You need an IELTS General score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for IELTS General scores.
7. Test de connaissance du français (TCF) Canada: You need a TCF score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for TCF scores.
8. Test de connaissance du français (TCF) tout public: You need a TCF tout public minimum score of 400 with results from all four language abilities.
9. Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) Canada: You need a TEF score that is equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmarks score of 7 or higher for each ability. Check the CLB equivalencies for TEF scores.
10. Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) 5 épreuves: You need a minimum TEF 5 épreuves score of 400 with results from all four language abilities. 

Note: The Lexique/Structure ability isn’t required for SDS.

What is the new rule for Canada Study Visa?

Starting from August 10, 2023, Canada has begun accepting four additional English language proficiency tests: CAEL, CELPIP, PTE, and TOEFL iBT. 

Moreover, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is now allowing SDS study visa applicants to submit their applications with an overall band score of 6, with a minimum of 5.5 in 1-2 individual modules.

What countries are eligible for a Canada study visa via SDS?

A total of 14 countries are eligible for a Canada study permit under the SDS (Student Direct Stream) program. These countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.