The Canadian Government (IRCC) has announced that they will start accepting additional English language tests for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program with effect from 10 August 2023.
IELTS remains the world’s most recognised, reliable and secure English language test, using both human testing staff and digital technology for optimum experience.
IRCC Set Minimum Requirements for All English Tests As Follows:
| SDS Permit Score Requirements – General English Tests |
| Canadian Language Benchmark | IELTS General Training | CELPIP |
| 7 | Min 6 in each skill (L, R, W, S) | Min 7 in each skill (L, R, W, S) |
| SDS Permit Score Requirements – Academic Tests |
| IELTS Academic | CAEL | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
| Min 6 overall score. No more requirement of 6 band in individual modules. | Min 60 overall score | Min 83 overall score | Min 60 overall score |
The required score for IELTS General Training remains at 6.0 for every skill.
IELTS Academic requires an overall score of 6.0.
For Example, a Test Taker Using IELTS Academic May Score as Follows:
- Reading 5.5
- Writing 6
- Speaking 6.5
- Listening 6.5 to achieve the Overall score of 6.0
Importantly, PTE claim their score of 60 is equivalent to an IELTS 6.5-7.0.
What are the Benefits of Referring People to the IELTS Test?
- People are at the core of our business – language is human, testing should be as well. We use human testing staff. Technology enhances the human connection, it does not replace it.
- We have experience – IELTS has been operating and dealing with competition and recognition changes for 35 years.
- We have scale.
- IELTS administers three million tests each year and is recognised by more than 11,000 organisations.
- IELTS is available in more than 3,000 test locations and online in over 90 countries. In addition, IDP has more than 380 IELTS on Computer test centres.
- IELTS India has the highest number of test centres in India. It is present in more than 80 cities, with 150+ venues for paper-based test and 46 centres provide IELTS on Computer.
- We provide options for test takers. IELTS offers test takers more choice than our competitors – IELTS on paper, IELTS on computer and IELTS Online.
- IELTS One Skill Retake gives test takers the option to retake a single skill, to help them achieve a score that represents their true English language ability. IELTS One Skill Retake is an attractive feature for English language test takers – it gives them an opportunity to achieve the score they need for their story or migration requirements.
- IELTS is known and trusted the world over. Our test takers know that choosing IELTS is a trusted path for their journey. Over the years we’ve seen other tests rejected by Governments, accepted then rejected by universities, and test takers have needed to undertake additional visa processes.
