What ended with the Student Direct Stream and does it remove the IELTS rule?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ended the Student Direct Stream on November 8, 2024, so every study-permit application now goes through standard processing. The SDS was an expedited route that required a minimum IELTS 6.0 in each band (or an equivalent French result). Ending it removed that one federal language threshold tied to faster processing. It did not remove any school's own admission requirement, and it did not lower the bar for showing you can study in Canada. If anything, standard processing means an officer reviews your full picture, including whether your stated study plan and your language ability line up. You can read the official study permit overview on canada.ca.
Which English tests can replace IELTS for Canadian study?
Several tests are widely accepted instead of IELTS, and the right one depends on the specific DLI you apply to. The most common alternatives are the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT), the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). The Duolingo English Test is accepted by some schools, but only where that specific DLI lists it, so confirm before you rely on it. Always check the program page of your chosen school, because score minimums differ by program and by level, and graduate programs usually set a higher bar than undergraduate ones. The table below shows typical undergraduate score ranges, not guaranteed cutoffs, and your target program may ask for more or less.
| Accepted test | Full name | Typical undergrad range |
|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Test of English as a Foreign Language (internet-based) | 80 to 90 overall |
| PTE Academic |
What is a Medium of Instruction letter and which schools accept it?
A Medium of Instruction letter is an official document from your previous school confirming that your prior education was taught entirely in English. Some Canadian DLIs accept an MOI letter in place of a language test, which lets applicants who studied in English skip a separate exam. The key word is "some." Many universities and colleges do not accept MOI letters at all, or only accept them for certain programs or countries. The letter usually must be on official letterhead, signed, and state the language of instruction clearly. Before you count on this route, confirm in writing that your target program accepts an MOI letter, because relying on it without confirmation is one of the most common reasons applicants get stuck at the admission stage.
How do pathway and English for Academic Purposes programs work?
A pathway program gives you conditional admission: the school admits you to its main program on the condition that you first complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course at that institution. You enroll in the language program, reach the required level, and then move into your degree or diploma without taking a separate standardized test. This route suits applicants who are close to the required level but do not yet have a qualifying test score. One point to plan for: when you apply for the study permit, the officer reviews your full study plan, including the language stage, so be ready to explain why the pathway fits your goals and how you will fund the extra months. The route below shows what each option requires.
| Route to skip IELTS | What it requires |
|---|
| Another accepted test | A qualifying TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CELPIP, or accepted Duolingo result |
| MOI letter | Official proof your prior education was taught in English, accepted by that DLI |
|
When you apply for the study permit, you will still need to provide the right documents, including a letter of acceptance from a DLI. See the official guidance on documents at canada.ca, and confirm your school appears on the Designated Learning Institutions list.
Does a study permit have its own English requirement separate from the school?
The study permit itself does not list a fixed minimum English score, but language ability is still part of how an officer assesses your application. Meeting a school's English requirement and getting a letter of acceptance is one step. The officer then reviews your overall eligibility, including whether you have a genuine study plan and can realistically succeed in the program you chose. A weak language profile paired with an advanced program can raise doubts about whether you will actually study, which is one factor in a refusal. You can review who can apply and the eligibility factors at canada.ca. Treat the school requirement and the permit assessment as two separate things you both need to satisfy.
Will skipping IELTS affect your Post-Graduation Work Permit later?
It can, because the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) now has its own language requirement that applies regardless of how you entered your program. Since late 2024, PGWP applicants must show language ability through an approved test result. University graduates must demonstrate Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7, while college graduates must demonstrate CLB 5. This means even if you avoided a test for admission through an MOI letter or pathway program, you will likely need an approved language test result when you apply for the PGWP after graduating. Plan for this early so it does not surprise you at the end of your studies. A practical approach is to treat the test as something you will sit at some point anyway, and to budget the time and fees for it before your final term. The PGWP eligibility rules, including the language requirement, are on canada.ca.
Is it possible to study in Canada without IELTS?
Yes. You can study in Canada without IELTS by satisfying the school's English requirement another way, such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CELPIP, an accepted Duolingo English Test result, an MOI letter, or a pathway program. "Without IELTS" does not mean without any English proof. Each DLI sets its own rules, so confirm what your specific program accepts before applying.
Which university in Canada does not accept IELTS?
No single official list names universities that "do not accept IELTS," because most accept IELTS alongside other options. What varies is the alternatives each school allows, such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CELPIP, the Duolingo English Test, or an MOI letter. Some institutions also offer EAP pathway programs for applicants without a qualifying test. The accurate step is to check the admission page of the specific program you want and confirm its accepted proofs in writing.
Can I skip IELTS for Canada PR?
No, you cannot skip a language test for permanent residence. Express Entry, the main system for skilled-worker permanent residence, requires an approved language test result. For English that means IELTS General Training or CELPIP, and for French it means the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) or the Test de connaissance du français (TCF). There is no MOI or pathway substitute for PR language proof. You can review the program at the official Express Entry page on canada.ca.
Is Canada rejecting student visas in 2026?
Canada is not blanket-rejecting student visas, but scrutiny is higher and approval is not guaranteed. IRCC has set reduced study-permit targets for the 2025 to 2027 period, which means fewer permits are issued overall and applications face closer review. Strong applications with a clear study plan, genuine ties, and proof you can support yourself still get approved. The practical takeaway is to prepare carefully rather than assume either automatic approval or automatic refusal. Build your file so it answers the obvious questions before an officer asks them: why this program, why this school, how you will pay, and what you plan to do after.
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This article is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific case, book a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant at gofarglobal.com.
