Canada Ends SDS Visa Stream: What PTE Test Should You Take?

Canada Ends SDS Visa — What Nepali Students Need to Know About PTE Core Requirements

In November 2024, the Government of Canada ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, which had been a faster pathway for international students from certain countries — including Nepal — to get a Canadian study permit. If you have been following Canadian study visa guidance that mentions SDS English score requirements (including PTE Core scores for SDS), this article updates you on what changed and what the English requirements look like under the new standard process.

For broader context, see the PTE Core study plan and the PTE Core format and timing.

What Was the Student Direct Stream (SDS)?

The Student Direct Stream was an accelerated processing pathway for study permit applications from students in eligible countries. Nepal was one of the eligible SDS countries. SDS promised:

• Faster processing (typically 20 days vs. several months for standard)
• Specific eligibility requirements including: a minimum IELTS 6.0 overall (or equivalent in other accepted tests), strongly likely investment certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000, acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

Under SDS, PTE Academic was accepted as an alternative to IELTS (with an equivalent score requirement). The specific PTE score accepted under SDS was approximately PTE Academic 60 overall as equivalent to IELTS 6.0.

What Replaced SDS After November 2024?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ended SDS as a distinct stream and merged it into the standard study permit process. Key changes:

• No more expedited processing window: The strongly likely 20-day processing time specific to SDS no longer exists. All study permit applications are processed through the standard queue.
• English requirements revert to standard: There is no longer a specific "SDS English score" minimum. The English language requirement is set by your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), not by a separate government stream requirement.
• GIC requirement may still apply: Depending on your application category, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate may still be required as proof of financial support. Check the current IRCC guidelines.

What English Score Does a Canadian Study Visa Require Now?

Without SDS, the English language requirement for Canadian study permits is entirely set by your institution. IRCC does not prescribe a minimum English test score for the study permit itself — it is the DLI (your Canadian college or university) that sets the English proficiency requirement for admission.

In practice, most Canadian colleges and universities accept:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0-6.5 overall for most undergraduate and diploma programs
• PTE Academic: 50-58 overall for most programs (PTE Academic is accepted for Canadian university admission, NOT PTE Core — PTE Core is for PR only)
• TOEFL iBT: 80-90 for most programs

For postgraduate programs, requirements are typically higher (IELTS 6.5-7.0 or PTE Academic 58-65).

Important distinction: For Canadian study visas, you use PTE Academic. For Canadian PR through Express Entry, you use PTE Core. These are two different tests for two different purposes.

Does the SDS Cancellation Affect Canada PR Applications?

No. The SDS was a study visa stream, not a permanent residence pathway. Canadian PR through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or the Canadian Experience Class uses PTE Core (not PTE Academic) and is completely unaffected by the SDS cancellation. If you are a Nepali student already in Canada who wants to apply for PR, the Express Entry and PTE Core requirements are unchanged.

Impact on Nepali Students — What to Do Now

If you were planning to use the SDS pathway:

1. Contact your DLI directly: Ask about their current English proficiency requirements and what test score they accept for your specific program.
2. Check your English test: For Canadian study, you likely need PTE Academic (not PTE Core). Verify with your institution.
3. For PR goals after studying: You will need PTE Core when you eventually apply for PR. PTE Academic scores from your study visa application cannot be used for PR.
4. Processing time expectations: Without SDS processing guarantees, build more buffer into your application timeline. Current study permit processing times from Nepal can vary — check the IRCC website for current estimates.

PTE Core Is Still the Right Test for Canada PR

Despite the SDS cancellation, Canada PR via Express Entry remains a goal for many Nepali students. PTE Core is still fully accepted by IRCC for all permanent residence programs. If you are in Canada on a study permit and planning your PR pathway, your PTE Core preparation strategy is unchanged by the SDS cancellation.

For competitive Express Entry draws, the target remains CLB 9 in all four skills — approximately 84-88 per skill in PTE Core. See the PTE Core to CLB conversion table for the complete score breakdown.

What Students Say About This Preparation

"Following the strategy Smriti Didi outlined, my Oral Fluency improved enough to push Speaking above 79 in my next attempt." — Rahul T., Kathmandu

"The structured approach made the difference. I had been retaking without a plan — one focused batch changed that." — Anita S., Pokhara

Results reflect individual student preparation experience. Scores depend on personal effort, starting ability, and test conditions. No specific outcome is strongly likely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get a study permit for Canada if SDS no longer exists?

Yes. The standard study permit application process is still open for Nepali students. The SDS cancellation removed an expedited processing track, not the ability to apply for a Canadian study permit. You apply through the standard IRCC process, which takes longer than SDS did but is otherwise the same in terms of documents and requirements.

Does PTE Academic work for Canadian college admission?

Yes. PTE Academic (not PTE Core) is accepted by most Canadian colleges and universities for admission purposes. Check your specific institution's English proficiency requirements, as they vary by program and institution.

What PTE test should I take if I want to study in Canada and then apply for PR?

Two different tests: PTE Academic for your college admission (study visa), and PTE Core for your eventual PR application. They have different tasks, scoring, and purpose. Taking PTE Academic now and PTE Core later is common for students who want to study in Canada first and then immigrate.

Plan Your Canada Pathway

For PTE Core preparation targeting Canada PR through Express Entry, the PTE Core coaching page covers all the essential task differences from PTE Academic. The 1-on-1 mentorship is available for students who need targeted preparation for specific CLB score goals. Check PTE score requirements by pathway for Canada and Australia options.

Continue Your PTE Preparation

Related guides for Nepali students preparing for PTE Academic and PTE Core:

• PTE Core complete guide for Nepal
• PTE Core vs PTE Academic for Canada PR
• PTE Core vs CELPIP
• PTE Core vs IELTS for Canada
• PTE Core vs PTE Academic differences
• Free score assessment

Important: SDS only accepted IELTS, not PTE

Even when SDS was active, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) accepted only IELTS Academic as the qualifying English test — PTE Core (which IRCC added on 30 January 2024 for permanent-residence streams) was never on the SDS approved list. SDS was discontinued on 8 November 2024. For current Canadian study-permit English options always check the official IRCC page below before applying.

• IRCC — Study in Canada
• Pearson — PTE Core

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Last fact-checked 2026-05-08 against official sources (Pearson PTE, Department of Home Affairs, AHPRA, IRCC, AITSL). Test fees, score thresholds, and immigration rules can change at any time — always confirm the latest details on the relevant official website before booking or applying.

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Last fact-checked on 2026-05-08 against official sources (Pearson PTE, Australia Department of Home Affairs, AHPRA, IRCC, GOV.UK, INZ). Test fees, score requirements, and visa rules can change at any time — always verify the latest details on the relevant official website before booking or applying.