Canada's Student Stream Expands: New Language Tests Added!
From August 10, 2023, IRCC incorporates four new Canadian English tests for Student Direct Stream applicants, expanding options for study permit seekers.
Starting from August 10, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has integrated four recently sanctioned Canadian English tests for Canadian study permit applicants of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program.
The updated list of accepted language tests comprises:
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based test (TOEFL iBT)
Furthermore, Canadian study permit applicants can opt for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training or Academic tests. Notably, changes to the IELTS prerequisites for SDS will also be effective from August 10th:
Starting August 10, 2023, an overall band score of 6.0 is mandatory with IELTS Academic.
For those who applied with IELTS Academic before August 10, 2023, a score of 6.0 is needed in each skill section (speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
Irrespective of the date, a 6.0 score in each skill section is required with IELTS General Training.
To be eligible for SDS, all test outcomes must demonstrate comprehensive proficiency in one of Canada's official languages (English or French), encompassing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
For Canadian English benchmark tests, students need to achieve a total score of:
7 in CELPIP General tests
60 in CAEL tests
60 in Pearson Academic tests
83 in TOEFL iBT tests
Crucially, these Canadian English tests must be conducted in person, as online or remotely monitored tests are not valid for SDS consideration.
Understanding the Student Direct Stream
The SDS is a program designed to expedite Canadian study permit processing for international students from specific nations. The program aims to maintain a processing time of 20 calendar days for eligible Canada study permit applications.
Additionally, students often may enjoy a better chance at study permit approval when they apply for a study permit through the SDS program. The GIC certificate provide IRCC with more confidence in the amount of funds that the student have while the language test result and transcript demonstrate the student’s ability to successfully complete their program of study in Canada.
Eligible countries for SDS Canadian study permit 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.
Requirements for the SDS student visa in Canada:
Be legal residents of the specified countries
Provide a copy of their acceptance letter from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Confirm they have undergone a medical exam upfront
Hold or show acquisition of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth $10,000
Demonstrate payment of first-year tuition fees
Furnish language test results within two years of the application, showing qualifying SDS scores
Submit their application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
It is important to note that even if all these eligibility conditions are met, an IRCC officer could still decline an application if they find it lacks sufficient evidence of the international student's ability to meet stay conditions in Canada.
Student Direct Stream processing time
Your Canadian study permit processing speed via the Student Direct Stream (SDS) may vary based on your location. Typically, IRCC handles the majority of SDS applications within a 20-day timeframe, though certain cases might necessitate more time.
To expedite the process, it's crucial to:
Provide your biometrics promptly
Fulfill all eligibility prerequisites
What you need to do after apply for study permit Canada
Biometrics Submission
For applicants required to provide biometric data, this involves capturing your fingerprints and a photograph.
After you have made the necessary payments, including the biometrics fee, and successfully submitted your Canada study permit application, you will receive a letter from us outlining the biometric requirement (if applicable to your situation). This letter will contain comprehensive instructions regarding the process and the designated location. It's imperative that you bring this letter along with your valid passport when you come for your biometrics appointment. You are allowed a 30-day timeframe to conduct the in-person biometrics submission.
In cases where the biometrics fee has not been settled, IRCC will issue a letter prompting you to make this payment first. The instruction letter for biometrics will be issued exclusively upon confirmation of the biometrics fee payment.
Upon receipt of your biometric data by IRCC, the processing of your Canada study permit application can commence.
If your Canada study permit application does not fulfill the eligibility criteria for the Student Direct Stream, it will be evaluated as a standard Canadian study permit application. In such cases, expedited processing will not be applicable.
In the event that your application receives approval from IRCC, you will receive:
A letter of introduction for your port of entry
(Please note that this document is not your study permit. It is essential to present this letter to the immigration officer upon your arrival in Canada.)
An electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor (temporary resident) visa, depending on your entry requirements into Canada.
For those requiring electronic travel authorization :
The particulars about your electronic travel authorization will be outlined in your letter of introduction. Your electronic travel authorization will be electronically linked to your passport, valid for a duration of 5 years, or until the expiry of your passport, whichever happens first. It is imperative to travel with the passport you used during your Canada study permit application.
For those requiring a visitor visa:
IRCC will request you forward your passport to the nearest visa office, enabling them to affix the visa to your passport. Your visa will be stamped in your passport, specifying whether it permits single or multiple entries into Canada. You must enter Canada before the visa's expiration.
Obtaining your study permit:
Upon your arrival at the designated port of entry, an immigration officer will assess your compliance with Canada's entry prerequisites. Assuming there are no issues, the officer will proceed to print your study permit and hand it over to you. Prior to your arrival, ensure you possess all the necessary documents to facilitate your entry into Canada.
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