Yes, Canada accepts PTE for Student Visa under the SDS category for international students. This is great news for international students who want to study in New Zealand. There are certain changes which are made by for your application to be considered under the SDS category 2024 which has come into effect by 10 August 2023. Those students who want to apply to study in Canada through their PTE score can do so now. PTE is now acceptable if Indian students want to apply their study in Canada application through the SDS category.
This article contains all the information about the PTE score for student visa under SDS category and recent updates on the requirements for your application to be considered under the SDS category. The article is an answer to all the dilemmas faced by international students about whether PTE is acceptable for application to be considered under the SDS category or not.
What is SDS and non-SDS category in Canada?
The acronym for Student Direct Stream is SDS. This was created by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to expedite the student visa application process. A great number of advantages support your decision to apply for your visa via Student Direct Stream.
Applying through a non-SDS stream typically takes 7-8 weeks. But after all the paperwork is in order, you can receive your Canada study visa in as little as 4-5 weeks if you apply Canada study visa through the SDS category.
You must keep in mind the following things for your application to qualify for the SDS category: The Pearson Test of English, or PTE, is an assessment tool used to determine one’s level of English language competence. You can demonstrate your ability to speak and comprehend the language used by the average Canadian citizen by taking one of several English language tests and PTE is one of them. If you score less than required then it will be considered that you are not familiar with the language well and will not understand the language of common people and hence you will not get your Canada study visa. To be eligible for the SDS category, applicants must meet the minimum PTE requirements which will be get acquainted with you in the upcoming paragraphs.
English Language Tests accepted for SDS Category 2024-
There are other English language tests as well which can be used by you as proof of your proficiency in English and for your application to be considered under the SDS category. English language tests which allow you to apply your Canada student visa under the SDS category 2024 are IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, CAEL, and PTE.
SDS Canada Study Visa Requirements 2024-
There are some important things which must be kept in mind by international students if they want to apply for a Canada visa application under the SDS category. Following are the important points which are a must if you want your application to be considered under the SDS category-
- Specified English Language Tests Score
- 1 Year tuition fee must be paid by you
- GIC of CAD$ 20,000
- You must have taken admission to a DLI- Designated Learning Institute
The primary requirement for your application to be considered under SDS category 2024 is that you have taken admission to a DLI- Designated Learning Institute. There are some specified minimum scores which must be acquired by you in the English language proficiency exams for your application to be taken into your account under SDS. You must pay 1 year of tuition fee for the program you want to study there. Along with this, you must have Canadian Dollars 20,000 in your GIC account.
What are the advantages of SDS category?
The perks of the SDS category are more if compared with the non-SDS category. You get to enjoy these advantages only if your Canada study visa application is considered under SDS category in 2024. Applying for a Canada visa with SDS makes the process simple, quick, and efficient. Applying for a Canada visa without using SDS will be a hassle-free process.
- Less Documentation
- Easy Process
- High Visa Success Rate
- Fast Visa Process
These are certain advantages if your application is considered under the SDS category in 2024. You need fewer documents for your Canada study visa if you apply under the SDS category. More documents are required if you want to apply for your Canada Visa application under the non-SDS category. You will be well acquainted with the required documents in the upcoming paragraphs.
Applying under the SDS category in 2024 will Fast-track your Canada student visa process. If you apply through SDS, the Canada student visa application procedure can be quick. In general, the processing of your Canada student visa application will take longer if you apply through a non-student direct stream than if you apply under SDS.
In general, if you apply under non-SDS, it will take 7–8 weeks to receive your Canada study visa; if you apply under SDS, it will take 4-5 weeks after all of your paperwork is received. If you apply through SDS, you can sometimes receive your Canada visa in as little as 20 days. This is one of the main advantages which will help
The success percentages for student visa applications to Canada are very high if you apply through SDS. Your chances of getting a visa will increase double. Processing an SDS visa in Canada takes four to five weeks if all the necessary paperwork is supplied.
English Language Requirements for SDS 2024-
You must score a minimum English language score in your desired test for your application to be considered under SDS 2024. There are some minimum scores of each test and you must score at least minimum of one of those test. Minimum score for different English language exams are mentioned below-
IELTS Academic- overall 6 with 5.5 in any module
IELTS General Training- 6 bands in each module
PTE- overall 60
CAEL- overall 60
If you have more doubts about English language requirements 2024, you can contact West Highlander, the best immigration consultants in Chandigarh. Our Director, Ms. Parwinder Kaur is a Canada Course Graduate who has assisted Indian students who want to study in Canada for more than 18 years. We also have a team of expert counsellors who will guide you throughout the process of your Canada student visa.
Document Checklist for SDS in Canada-
You must meet a few additional SDS Canada standards in order to fasten the processing of your visa application. We have provided you with comprehensive details regarding which English language tests are acceptable for your application to be considered for the SDS category, as the SDS requirements for Canada have changed. Some documents are also needed in addition to this which are mentioned below-
- You must have taken admission to a DLI- Designated Learning Institute in Canada.
- One year’s tuition fee must be paid by you.
- Medical Tests Report
- Specified English Language Tests Score
- GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) of CAD$20,000.
Frequently Asked Questions-
Is PTE accepted in Canada as SDS?
Yes, PTE is accepted in Canada as SDS. You must have met the minimum PTE score requirements for SDS 2024. You must score an overall 60 for your PTE score to be accepted under the SDS category.
Is Canada rejecting PTE for student visa?
No, Canada is no longer rejecting PTE for student visas. As per the new guidelines Canada is accepting PTE score for SDS category 2024. Students can contact West Highlander to know about the details of other requirements and PTE requirements.
What is the band requirement for SDS in Canada?
An IELTS score of overall 6 bands with 5.5 in each module for IELTS academic and an IELTS score of 6 bands in each module for IELTS General Training is required as the band requirement for SDS in Canada. These are the IELTS requirement for SDS 2024.
What is the PTE score for SDS?
A PTE score of overall 60 is required for SDS 2024. If you want your application to be considered under SDS category then you must meet this PTE score for SDS 2024.