SDS accepted IELTS Academic 6.0

Recently IRCC has approved English language tests for SDS which is effective on August 10, 2023 as following:

• If you're applying from the 10th of August 2023, with IELTS Academic, an overall band score of 6.0 is required.
• If you applied with IELTS Academic before the 10th of August 2023, you'll need a score of 6.0 in each skill (speaking, listenign, reading and writing).
• If you're applying with IELTS General Training, you will still need a 6.0 in each skill section, before or after 10th August 2023.

Importantly, these tests must be taken in-person; as, online or remotely proctored tests are not eligible for the SDS applicants' consideration.

What is SDS?

The SDS is a program that provides accelerated processing of study permits for international students originating from specific countries. The program seeks to maintain a processing business standard of 20 calendar days for eligible study permit applications.

The list of eligible countries includes Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam.

To meet SDS applicant eligibility, student must:

• Be a legal resident ò the specified countries;
• Provide a copy of a letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Present confirmation of an upfront medical exam;
• Possess, or prove they have acquired a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000;
• Prove that tuition fees have been paid for the first year of study;
• Provide proof of the language test results obtained within two years of the application being received, showing eligible test scores for the SDS;
• Submit their application at a Visa Application Center (VAC).

Note that due to the program guidelines for government officials, even if all of these eligibility requirements are present, an IRCC officer may still reject the application if they feel it doesn't provide enough proof that the international student can fulfil the conditions of their stay in Canada.

Learn more here