The recent announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding the acceptance of an overall IELTS band score of 6 in the SDS category has received a warm and enthusiastic response from IELTS’ valued referral partners. The new rule states that candidates applying for the Student Direct Stream for the Canada student permit will now only require a minimum overall band score of 6 in the exam, without the need for a minimum 6 band score in every section. This progressive policy will come into effect from 10 August 2023, opening doors of opportunity for aspiring students for Canada.
Vishal Gupta, Regional IELTS Director (SA) & IELTS Shared Services, IDP Education, recently embarked on a two-week journey to engage with stakeholders across multiple cities in Punjab and Gujarat. During these productive interactions, Mr Gupta shared valuable insights and updated close to 500 referral partners across Punjab and Gujarat about the latest announcement, creating a ripple of excitement among the international educational community.
Expressing his delight, Mr Gupta said, “The IRCC’s decision to accept an overall IELTS band score of 6 in the SDS category is a significant milestone that will positively impact students’ educational aspirations. We are pleased to inform that all our stakeholders are excited about this change as this is a great benefit for the test takers.”
A few of IDP Education’s referral partners in Gujarat- Mr Amit Jalan, Enbee Education Center Pvt. Ltd, Ahmedabad; Mr Taral Chandresh Kumar Shah, Abacus Academy, Ahmedabad; Mayur Patel, Success Overseas Education Consultants, Anand; and Jay Patel, JY Overseas, Surat expressed their happiness about the new policy, stating, “The IRCC’s decision is a game-changer for students in Gujarat. By accepting an overall IELTS band score of 6, the SDS category becomes more attainable, increasing the opportunities for students to pursue their dreams of studying in Canada. We appreciate IDP Education’s proactive approach in keeping us informed about the latest updates, allowing us to guide students effectively.”
This positive response from referral partners highlights the shared commitment to ensuring students receive the best guidance and support throughout their overseas educational journey.