Special Event! IDP IELTS EXPO 2025 - 26 April 2025. Read More
Why Book IELTS with IDP?
Result releases - IELTS on computer Test
Test date available Monday - Sunday
Test centres countrywide
IELTS booking service
What is IELTS for Work?
If you're planning to work abroad, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is often a key requirement. Many countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand, require IELTS General Training for work visas. Employers and immigration authorities use IELTS scores to assess your English proficiency, ensuring you can communicate effectively in a professional environment.
Types of IELTS Tests
IELTS offers several test versions to meet different needs:
IELTS Academic: Typically required for higher education and professional registration in English-speaking countries.
IELTS General Training: Usually preferred for migration purposes and work experience in English-speaking environments.
IELTS for UKVI: Specifically designed for UK Visa and Immigration purposes. It includes:
IELTS for UKVI (Academic)
IELTS for UKVI (General Training)
The IELTS for UKVI tests have the same format, scoring, and difficulty level as the standard IELTS tests. However, they are conducted at UKVI-approved test centers with additional security measures. The test report form for UKVI IELTS indicates that the test was taken at an approved center, making it valid for UK visa applications.
At IDP Thailand, we make your IELTS journey easy with flexible test dates, multiple test locations, fast results, and expert support to help you succeed.
IELTS Requirements for International Career Opportunities
For Thai professionals seeking career opportunities abroad, IELTS scores serve as critical benchmarks for employment and immigration pathways. Below is a detailed breakdown of IELTS requirements for nurses, engineers, and hospitality workers in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and the USA, based on institutional and governmental standards.
Nursing
Country | IELTS Requirement | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
Australia | IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall (all bands 7.0) | Required for Nursing and Midwifery Board registration |
New Zealand | IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall (all bands 7.0) | Midwives need 7.5 overall (no band below 7.0) |
UK | IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall (all bands 7.0) | For Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration |
Canada | IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (7.0 in Speaking) | For Express Entry; provincial requirements may vary |
USA | IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall (7.0 in Speaking) | For VisaScreen; individual state boards may have variations |
Engineering
Country | IELTS Requirement | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
Australia | IELTS General/Academic: 6.0 overall (all bands 6.0) | For Engineers Australia assessment; higher scores for visas |
New Zealand | IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) | For Skilled Migrant Visa under Washington Accord |
UK | IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) | For Skilled Worker Visa; higher for chartered status |
Canada | IELTS: 6.0 in each component (CLB 7) | For Federal Skilled Worker Program |
USA | No formal requirement | 6.5+ recommended for competitiveness |
Hospitality
Country | IELTS Requirement | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
Australia | IELTS General Training: 5.0 overall for TSS visa | 6.0 overall for Permanent Residency |
New Zealand | IELTS General Training: 5.0 overall (no band below 4.5) | For Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) |
UK | IELTS General Training: 5.0-6.0 overall | Varies by employer and position |
Canada | IELTS: 5.0-5.5 overall | Varies by program and province |
USA | IELTS: 5.5+ recommended | For J-1 Visa (Work and Travel) |
IELTS requirements vary widely based on profession, country, and specific visa types. While meeting minimum scores is essential, higher scores often provide more opportunities and can boost your visa application. IELTS Academic is typically needed for healthcare and education, while General Training suits many other professions. Test results are usually valid for 2 years. Pay attention to both overall and individual component score requirements, as these can differ.
Healthcare professions often have the strictest language standards, while hospitality roles may have more lenient requirements. Remember that immigration policies and language requirements can change, so always check official sources for the most current information. Thorough preparation is key to achieving your target score and advancing your international career prospects.
Work and Holiday Visa in Australia and New Zealand
The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) is a popular program for Thai citizens aged 18-30 who want to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. This visa provides a unique opportunity to gain international work experience while exploring Australia's culture and lifestyle.
Why is IELTS Required?
Applicants need to demonstrate their English proficiency, and IELTS General Training is one of the accepted tests. A minimum overall band score of 4.5 is typically required, but it's important to check the latest visa requirements on the official Australian immigration website.
Learn More About Work and Holiday
For full details on eligibility, application steps, and tips for a successful visa application, visit our Work and Holiday Visa article.
IELTS for Work - FAQs
