In a recent announcement, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) updated Pearson PTE Academic as a new pathway to Canada with SDS (Student Direct Stream) Visas. Starting from 10th August, the Pearson test of English will join other tests like IELTS and TOEFL designated by IRCC. Over time, the PTE exam has grown its acceptance and popularity on a large scale worldwide. The acceptance of PTE Academic brought a vast scope for test takers to prove their abilities and skills. If you are about to begin preparing for English proficiency tests to apply for a study visa, this blog will help you!
A student can apply under two streams for a Canada study visa, i.e., SDS and Non-SDS. Under the SDS category (Launched in the year 2018), the processing time for a study permit is faster and within almost 20 calendar days, whereas, in Non-SDS, the processing time is slow, approx 2-3 months. Also, to apply under SDS category, a student must be from one of the 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.
Parameters |
SDS |
Non-SDS |
Processing Time |
faster processing times (Within 20 calendar days) |
Slow processing times (2-3 months) |
Eligibility Requirements |
tuition fees for the first year, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), and Medical |
English language test results, offer letter from college, Proof of financial support, Receipt of tuition fee |
Documentation |
Brief |
Extensive |
Participating countries |
Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam |
Applicable for all countries |
Medium
|
Online (only accepted online)
|
Can be submitted offline |
Success rate |
71%* |
40%* |
PTE stands for Pearson Test of English, accepted globally to study, work, and migration. It is basically a two hours computer-based test recognized by various educational institutions and organizations worldwide, now applicable for Canada's SDS study visa applications from the 10th of August 2023. The test assesses four main language skills. Each of the four sections is scored separately, and the scores are then combined to provide an overall score. The overall score is based on the Global Scale of English (GSE), which ranges from 10 to 90 points. Different institutions and organizations may have different score requirements for admissions, visas, or employment purposes.
Both the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are widely recognized English language proficiency tests that are accepted by universities, colleges, and immigration authorities around the world. Choosing between the two depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. Here are some potential benefits of choosing PTE Academic over IELTS:
However, the suitability of PTE Academic versus IELTS depends on your individual preferences, strengths, and the specific requirements of the institutions you are applying to. Before deciding, consider Western overseas for better guidance or research the specific English language proficiency test requirements of the universities or organizations you are interested in and choose the one that best aligns with your strengths and circumstances. We at Western overseas also help you with PTE exam booking, language academy pte practice, and many more. So, Visit the Western Overseas without any delay.