There is an intention to expand the program to other countries in 2019 if it is successful, such as Kenya and Senegal. Expansion to Senegal is of particular interest, as it would be in line with Canada’s goal to attract more French-speaking students to Canada.

Applicants from these 4 designated countries are not automatically eligible for SDS; there are certain criteria that must be met by providing upfront proof of the items below:

• Accepted at a Canadian learning institution that is designated to host internationals students
• Tuition payment for the first year of study at a designated learning institution in Canada
• Purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000
• Completion of an upfront medical examination
• Qualifying score of at least 6 for English (IELTS), or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens score of 7 for French (TEF), or graduation from a Canadian-curriculum high school

Of note is that the language levels are stricter than with a regular study permits. If an applicant applies under SDS and is found not to be eligible under the program, they will be transferred to the regular study permit processing stream and will not receiving the faster processing benefit.

For more information on applying under Student Direct Stream, please click here.

The post Welcome, Students! IRCC Announces New Program – Student Direct Stream first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.

In addition, the following organizations have been designated to assess foreign educational credentials for applicants who studied outside of Canada.

• Comparative Education Service;
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada;
• World Education Services;
• Medical Council of Canada.

Federal Skilled Worker program applicants must also meet the new minimum language threshold. The three designated language testing organizations are:

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP),

• An FSWP applicant must score at least 4L on the CELPIP-General test in each of the four skills to meet the minimum language threshold.
• A score of 4L on the CELPIP-General test corresponds to CLB 7. A score of 4H corresponds to CLB 8, and a score of 5 or higher corresponds to CLB 9 or higher.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS),

• An FSWP applicant must score at least 6.0 on the IELTS General Training test in each of the four skills to meet the minimum language threshold of CLB 7.

Test d’évaluation de français (TEF).

• An FSWP applicant must score at least 206 in reading, 248 in listening, and 309 in both speaking and writing on the TEF to meet the minimum language threshold of NCLC 7.

The program does not open until May 4^th but applicants are encouraged to start preparing their application now.

If you would like to apply under the FSWP  contact our office today!

For more information on the new FSWP click here 

The post Federal Skilled Worker Program Requirements Announced first appeared on Bellissimo Law Group.