As per the official statement, Canada study visa applicants via SDS do not need to show a score of 6 bands in each module of IELTS. The officials reveal that there is a requirement for an overall score of 6 bands in IELTS Academic starting on August 10, 2023.
For the Canada Study Visa through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has accepted four additional English language tests.
For example, if someone scores 5.5 in Reading and writing and, on the other hand, 6.5 in Speaking and Listening, the overall score will be 6. The overall score of 6 makes an individual eligible to apply for a Canada visa under the Student Direct Stream (SDS). However, for the IELTS Score in General Training (GT), IRCC will require a band score of 6.0 in all four sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking).
The countries that are eligible for Canada Study Visas under the Student Direct Stream Visas are listed below:
- Brazil
- China
- Columbia
- Costa Rica
- Antigua and Barbuda
- India
- Morocco
- Peru
- Pakistan
- Vietnam
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved four new English Language examinations for study visas in Canada. The minimum scores required for different exams under SDS are:
| English Language Test | Minimum Score |
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6 |
| IELTS General | 6.0 in each module |
| PTE Academic | Overall 60 |
| CAEL | Overall 60 |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 83 |