The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language test designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. IELTS is the most popular English test which means it’s recognised by many countries and institutions worldwide.
The validity of your IELTS results depends on the country and the organisation to which you’re submitting them. Read on to know more.
IELTS validity duration for different countries
Australia
Usually, the validity of your IELTS results is two years. However, your IELTS results are valid for Skilled Migration applications for a period of three years! If you wish to work in Australia, you must take the IELTS Academic test, and different job roles have different IELTS score requirements. For example, a minimum score of 6.0 in each section is required to become an engineer in Australia. On the other hand, to become a nurse, you will need an overall score of at least 7.0.
Canada
Regardless of which test you take, your results date must be within the last two years (24 months) to be valid for applying for permanent residency. If your results have expired, you should retake the test. Otherwise, your application will be rejected as incomplete or may be refused.
Can I use expired IELTS for Permanent Residency (PR)?
There are three different pathways for one to get PR status in Canada:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
You should make sure that your IELTS test results are valid for the full six-month period that the IRCC needs to process your application.
Express Entry requires a minimum CLB 7 score for language proficiency or an IELTS score of 6.0 to qualify for permanent residency.
UK, New Zealand, and USA
Based on the well-known concept of second language loss or "attrition," the IELTS partners recommend a 2-year validity period for the test results, while it is up to each organisation to choose a validity period that meets their needs. You can get your IELTS test results within a few days, depending on which type of test you take.
Validity of IELTS score
A copy of your IELTS score is on your Test Report Form or TRF. You will receive only one copy of your IELTS Test Report Form, which is valid for two years. If you are applying for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) or the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA), you can receive two copies of your TRF. You must present proof of application to CIC and UKBA in order to obtain these two copies.
Your results are presented as band scores, with each band reflecting a different level of English language proficiency and ranging from 1 to 9. You can read more about IELTS band scores and how to request a remark here.