Language scores accepted for SDS visa applications

As per the latest update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that they will start accepting additional English language tests for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, starting from August 10, 2023. IELTS has been accepted in the study permit program from the beginning, and the good news for IELTS test takers is that there is no change to the required band score of 6.

This means applicants who choose the IELTS Academic pathway require a minimum overall band score of 6.0, while applicants who sit the IELTS General Training test will need a minimum band score of 6.0 in each skill: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The overall SDS permit score requirements set by the IRCC for academic tests are as follows:

According to Pearson*, a PTE Academic score of 60 is equivalent to an IELTS band score of 6.5 to 7.0, which is a full band higher than PTE. This makes IELTS the easiest and best option for all test takers.

Documents required for SDS visa applications

If you meet the criteria, you’ll have to submit the following documents:

• Letter of acceptance from a DLI
• Proof of payment of tuition fee for your first year of study
• Proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) payment (certificate/letter of attestation)
• IELTS TRF or TEF scorecard
• Copy of your medical examination from an authorised panel of doctors
• Relevant academic background with complete academic documents
• Additional requirement of CAQ for students intending to study in Quebec

What is SDS?

Indian students applying to universities and colleges in Canada can now expect faster visa processing through the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program launched by the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

SDS visa processing

Unlike the usual visa processing that may take up to 2-3 months, SDS allows students from India to avail their visa in 4-6 weeks. When a student who meets the eligibility, criteria applies via SDS, most applications are processed within 20 calendar days.

Why should you choose SDS over non-SDS?

SDS applications are processed much faster compared to Non-SDS student visa applications. This is because SDS applications receive priority processing, which means that you will receive your visa decision faster and can start your studies in Canada sooner.

On February 13, IRCC announced highest the draw for the ‘Canada Experience(CEC)’ . It had issued 27,332 invitations to eligible candidates to apply for permanent residency (PR). The Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS), which was low at 75 points.

The open work permit is valid for up to 3 years.

Who can apply

To be eligible, you must:

• hold a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas (BNO)
  • The work permit will be issued for up to 3 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. For example, if your passport is valid for 6 months, then you will be issued an open work permit for 6 months.
  • To maximize the duration of the open work permit, make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 years from the date of approval.
• have graduated no more than 5 years before you apply for this open work permit, with:
  • a degree from a designated post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad, or
  • a diploma for a minimum 2-year program from a designated post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad

If you got your diploma abroad

If you got your diploma outside of Canada, you must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an organization or a professional body designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. They’ll give you a report that tells you what your education is equal to in Canada.

Processing times and costs vary by organization or professional body.

Once you choose a designated organization or a professional body, they’ll tell you how to submit your documents to get your assessment.

** Returning Students and returning Workers will need to book an appointment using their current study and work permit application number listed on the new permit document & upload the new permit document instead of the BILs.

A prior appointment is mandatory to visit the Visa Application Centre to enroll biometrics. Appointments can be booked online by filling in the webform available.

Use the checklist that applies to you:

• Flying to Canada requirements checklist
• Driving to Canada requirements checklist