Why Choose IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) in Canada?

The IELTS on Paper is no longer available in Canada, but you can book a faster, more efficient IELTS on Computer. There are more test dates and centres available on any day of the week, and you can also choose another option: IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper).

IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) was introduced for multiple reasons, starting with the fact that many test takers have taken the IELTS on Paper test before and still feel more comfortable answering using paper. Although IELTS on Paper is no longer available in Canada, IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) offers test takers a great alternative.

IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) is approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as one of the accepted tests for language proficiency for the Post Graduate Work Permit as well as Permanent Residency. For some test takers, writing comes more naturally than typing, so this option can help them give their best performance on test day. Here are some of the other advantages:

• Offers the best of digital, along with the comfort of paper

• Results are available in 1 to 5 days, which is a lot faster than results for the IELTS on Paper

• Results are delivered through eTRFs (digital or electronic Test Report Forms)

• Greater flexibility, with more locations and dates available

• Test day experience combines familiarity with modern delivery

• IELTS is still honoured and embraced by over 12,500 institutions in 150 countries

According to Scientific American magazine, a study in Frontiers in Psychology monitoring brain activity in students found that those writing by hand showed higher levels of electrical activity across a range of interconnected regions responsible for movement, vision, sensory processing, and memory. The report cited researchers who associated writing by hand with improved memory.

There are other reasons why some test takers prefer writing by hand to typing:

• It can lead to better focus: Writing can eliminate digital distractions and compel you to reframe concepts in real-time

• It can enhance one’s creativity and help with problem-solving: Writing can help connect abstract ideas more freely and overcome creative blocks

• It can help with time management: Writing can reduce anxiety and transform larger goals into more manageable smaller tasks

• It can promote goal-oriented thinking: Writing can encourage specificity and create accountability, giving you concrete milestones to track

Between November 2025 and January 2026, we conducted a survey on 317 test takers who had taken the now discontinued IELTS on Paper in the past and were asked to try IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper).

Based on their responses after attempting Writing on Paper, 46% of test takers believe they scored better when they wrote on paper. Here’s what they had to say about Writing on Paper:

• 83% said it was easy to get used to

• 78% said that the new format felt fair

• 90% preferred IELTS on Computer – Writing on Paper over IELTS on Paper

These are some of the reasons given by test takers for why they preferred this format:

• Reading questions and passages side-by-side​ is easier

• There is less distraction and pressure​

• Writing on paper reduces typing stress​

• An on-screen timer helps with pacing​

• There is a greater sense of privacy​

Test takers believe that Writing on Paper offers them the best of both worlds: digital and paper. Note:

• Writing on Paper is not available for test takers taking an IELTS for UKVI test.

• Writing on Paper is currently being reviewed by the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs for visa applications. Therefore, if you plan to study, work or migrate to Australia, you will need to take the full IELTS on Computer option.

IELTS gives you a more flexible test experience. You’ll take the same trusted test that is widely recognized, with the same content and structure. The only difference is how you choose to complete the Writing section, on a computer or on paper, giving you greater control over how you showcase your skills.

Plan your next steps with confidence. With IELTS by IDP, you can enjoy more test dates and improved availability, fast results, and the flexibility to choose how you complete the Writing component, on computer or on paper, so you can perform at your best. You also have the option to take One Skill Retake if you want to improve just one section of your test.

Book Writing on Paper Now

IDP* no longer offers the IELTS on paper test in Canada. You can still take your IELTS, the world's most trusted English language test, on computer. IELTS on Computer and IELTS on Computer Writing on Paper offers results typically within 1-5 days and is available throughout the week, offering you more flexibility.

*The IELTS test is jointly owned by British Council, IELTS Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 84 008 664 766), which is wholly owned by IDP Education Ltd ('IDP: IELTS Australia') and Cambridge Assessment English (part of the University of Cambridge), collectively referred to as the IELTS TEST PARTNERS or IELTS PARTNER.