We are pleased to announce that international students looking to study at a Canadian post-secondary institution can now choose a Canadian-made English language proficiency test when applying for a study permit with the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that starting on August 10, 2023, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program for expedited study permits will accept results from the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program-General (CELPIP-General) tests, taken at a test centre.
What is the Study Direct Stream (SDS)?
The Study Direct Stream (SDS) is a program that allows international students an accelerated pathway to applying for and receiving their study permits. With SDS, students can expect their applications to be processed in 20 calendar days. Students from countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam are eligible to apply for study permits via SDS.
How Can I Prepare for SDS?
With the CAEL and CELPIP tests being accepted for SDS starting on August 10, 2023, we recommend booking your test as soon as possible to ensure your application is ready in time. Your CAEL and CELPIP scores remain valid for two years after you have taken your test, so ensuring your scores are ready when you prepare your application will allow you to complete the SDS process quickly. For more information about preparing your SDS application, visit the SDS website. Visit the CAEL or CELPIP website to book your test today.
Where can I take CAEL or CELPIP at a Test Centre?
CAEL and CELPIP tests are available across Canada and internationally. To book a CAEL or CELPIP Test, visit the CAEL or CELPIP websites. Test sittings are available every week, and are available in every major city in Canada. If you are applying for SDS with a CAEL score, please remember that IRCC requires SDS applications to be completed with a CAEL test taken in a test centre, and CAEL Online results are not eligible for SDS applications.
Free Preparation Resources for CAEL and CELPIP Test Takers
For test takers preparing for the CELPIP and CAEL tests, we are pleased to provide free study materials and resources. These include free practice tests, free weekly webinars with testing experts, recorded study courses and workshops on our YouTube channels, and more. Visit our websites to view our available free CAEL and free CELPIP resources.