Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have recently announced the acceptance of PTE Academic as a valid language proficiency test for all Student Direct Stream (SDS) applications. This decision comes after the earlier approval of PTE Core for Canadian permanent residency and citizenship applications, further solidifying Pearson’s PTE as a trusted test for English language proficiency.
PTE Academic Acceptance for SDS Applications
Starting August 10th, PTE Academic will be accepted all SDS applications. This means that international students from the aforementioned countries can now use their PTE Academic scores as proof of English language proficiency when applying for a Canadian study permit under the SDS program.
What is the student Direct Stream (SDS)?
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit process designed for international students applying to study in Canada from specific countries, including:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
The main goal of the SDS is to provide faster processing times (within 20 days) for eligible students, allowing them to pursue their academic goals in Canada with ease. Before recognizing PTE, IRCC only accepted the IELTS General and CELPIP as proof of English proficiency. The UK, Australia and New Zealand already accept PTE Academic for all visa applications.
Student Direct Stream Eligibility
With being a legal residents of the countries mentioned above, students need to must meet these criteria also:
- Have an acceptance letter from a higher education institution
- Live outside of Canada when you apply
- Have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000 (Canadian dollars)
- Have an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (only if you are planning to study in Quebec)
- If required get a medical exam before you apply
- If required get a police certificate before you apply
- Transcripts of most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcripts
- Proficiency in English Language proof
Depending on the country you are applying from, you may need to provide other documents as well. Make sure that you include all the documents that the visa office that processes your application requires.
What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)?
A GIC is an investment available in Canada with a set rate of return. Several banks provide GICs. The bank issuing you the GIC is required to:
- Provide one of the following to verify that you bought a GIC.
- A letter of attestation
- A CIG certificate
- An Investment Directions Confirmation or
- An Investment Balance Confirmation
- Hold the GIC in an investment account or a students account that you can’t access until you arrive in Canada
- Confirm your identity before they release any funds to you
Once you arrive in Canada, you will receive a portion of your GIC. Over the following 10 to 12 months, you will get the remaining funds. You won’t be able to apply to the Student Direct Stream if your bank or GIC doesn’t fit these requirements.
Conclusion
Canada is one of the greatest places for students seeking a better academic and professional future. Not only does it have excellent institutions and top-notch education, but it also offers stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and lively nightlife. With PTE now recognised by the government for SDS, it can help even more students to fulfil their dream of studying in Canada.
