Four new English language examinations for the Student Direct Stream are approved by IRCC

Four new English language examinations for the Student Direct Stream: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) just said that it would accept test scores from four new language tests from people who want to apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

On August 10, 2023, IRCC will start to accept test scores from these four new tests.

The new tests that can be taken are: 

1. CELPIP General: The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) General is an English language proficiency test designed specifically for individuals who intend to study, work, or immigrate to Canada. It evaluates the test taker’s English language skills in four main areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

• Listening: The listening section assesses the candidate’s ability to understand spoken English in various everyday situations, such as conversations, lectures, and public announcements.
• Speaking: The speaking section measures the individual’s ability to effectively communicate in English through tasks such as describing experiences, expressing opinions, and participating in conversations.
• Reading: The reading section evaluates the test taker’s reading comprehension skills by presenting them with passages and questions to assess their understanding and ability to analyze written information.
• Writing: The writing section tests the candidate’s writing skills by requiring them to complete tasks such as writing emails, responding to survey questions, and summarizing information from charts or graphs.

The CELPIP General test is computer-based, and the tasks are designed to reflect real-life situations that individuals may encounter in Canada. It is very important for the student to improve their Vocabulary for CELPIP Exam. The test aims to assess a person’s ability to function effectively in English within a Canadian context. In order to pass the CELPIP general tests, you must get a number of at least 7 on each of the four speaking skills. This is the Canadian Language Benchmark.

2. CAEL: The CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) Assessment is an English language proficiency test widely used by Canadian universities and colleges as part of their admission requirements. It assesses the English language skills of prospective students, focusing on their ability to use English in an academic setting.

• Listening: The listening section evaluates the candidate’s ability to understand lectures, discussions, and conversations that are typically encountered in an academic environment.
• Reading: The reading section measures the individual’s reading comprehension skills by presenting academic texts and assessing their ability to understand and analyze the information.
• Writing: The writing section assesses the test taker’s ability to write effectively in an academic context, including tasks such as essay writing, summarizing information, and presenting arguments.
• Speaking: The speaking section tests the candidate’s ability to communicate orally in an academic setting through tasks such as giving presentations, participating in discussions, and expressing opinions.

The CAEL Assessment aims to determine if a candidate has the necessary English language skills to succeed in academic programs at Canadian universities and colleges. Results from the CAEL test must show a score of at least 60. These tests must be taken in person. Applicants to the SDS won’t be able to take online tests that are proctored from a distance.

3. PTE Academic: The PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic is a computer-based English language proficiency test widely recognized by universities, colleges, and governments around the world. It assesses the test taker’s English language skills in four main areas: speaking, writing, reading, and listening.

• Speaking: The speaking section evaluates the individual’s ability to communicate effectively in English through tasks such as answering questions, summarizing spoken texts, and participating in conversations.
• Writing: The writing section measures the candidate’s writing skills by assessing their ability to write essays, summarize information from texts or graphs, and present arguments.
• Reading: The reading section tests the test taker’s reading comprehension skills by presenting them with academic texts and assessing their ability to understand and analyze the information.
• Listening: The listening section assesses the candidate’s ability to understand spoken English in academic and everyday contexts through tasks such as listening to lectures, conversations, and interviews.

PTE Academic utilizes advanced technology to evaluate the test taker’s language skills objectively and accurately. The test is known for its fast results and is accepted by various institutions worldwide for academic and professional purposes. Results from Pearson PTE Academic tests must show a score of at least 60. May also know more about 4 streams under SDS.

4. TOEFL iBT Test: The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT (Internet-Based Test) is a widely recognized English language proficiency test accepted by universities, colleges, and organizations worldwide. It measures the ability of non-native English speakers to understand and use English in an academic setting.

• Reading: The reading section evaluates the test taker’s reading comprehension skills by presenting academic texts and assessing their ability to understand and analyze the information.
• Listening: The listening section measures the individual’s ability to understand spoken English in academic contexts, including lectures, conversations, and classroom discussions.
• Speaking: The speaking section assesses the candidate’s ability to speak effectively in English through tasks such as expressing opinions, summarizing information, and participating in conversations.
• Writing: The writing section tests the test taker’s ability to write in English, including tasks such as essay writing, summarizing information, and presenting arguments.

The TOEFL iBT Test is administered online and uses advanced technology to deliver the test and evaluate the responses. It is widely accepted by academic institutions and organizations as a reliable measure of English language proficiency for academic and professional purposes. The minimum number for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test is 83.

These tests play a significant role in assessing an individual’s English language skills and are commonly used for academic admissions, employment opportunities, and immigration requirements.

Before this change, the only tests that IRCC would let SDS candidates take were IELTS General and IELTS Academic.

What does SDS mean?

Students from certain countries can get their study passes quickly through the SDS. Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam citizens or permanent residents are welcome to apply.

The processing time for all study permit applications qualified under SDS is 20 days. The SDS started in 2018, and Indian foreign students often use it.

Who can Apply under the Student Direct Stream?

Students who fit this condition must, in addition to being legal residents of specific countries, also: 

• present a copy of an acceptance letter from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI);

• present a confirmation document for the applicant’s upfront medical exam,
• show proof that they have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000;
• show proof that tuition fees for the first year of study are paid;
• provide proof of language test results completed within

Canada is now home to more than 800,000 students from outside the country. IRCC said that by the end of 2022, Canada had the most foreign students of any country in its history: over 800,000. 

The number of foreign students studying in Canada has increased by four times since 2008.  This is due to a number of reasons both inside and outside of Canada. For many economic, social, and cultural reasons, the Canadian government and DLIs have been trying harder to bring foreign students into the country. 

The rise of the global middle class has led to a rise in the number of foreign students around the world. Canada is a popular place for international students to study because of its high standard of education, reputation for multiculturalism, and opportunities to work and move there.

Summary:

1. New Approved English Exams
2. New Tests: CELPIP General, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and CAEL
3. Evaluate All Language Skills
4. SDS Fast-Track Program
5. Growing International Students