On August 30, 2023, the Canadian Government updated the eligibility requirements for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) language test results. The new requirements align with the Ministerial Instructions effective August 10, 2023. The Government will accept additional academic tests from designated organizations and another test from a non-designated organization. The update clarifies that banks may disburse the remaining funds of a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) in any accepted arrangement with an applicant after the initial disbursement upon arrival in Canada. Although the Government recommended disbursing GIC funds in monthly or bimonthly instalments, this does not affect an applicant’s SDS eligibility.
