Applying for a visa to start life abroad doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. There are various requirements and deadlines you’ll have to keep on top of, like knowing what the visa screening process entails. One crucial step you may need is proving your English language proficiency to immigration, often through an English test like IELTS.
IELTS, which stands for the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess English speakers' language proficiency so that they can successfully study abroad or migrate to a country where English is the primary language for education or work.
Whether you're applying for an Australian work visa or a student visa to the UK, getting your IELTS results quickly can affect when you submit a full application and potentially help you secure a visa approval sooner. By opting for IELTS on Computer, you get to test your English skills and receive your final score faster.
Why visa applications need speed
Time is of the essence especially when it comes to visa applications. Here's why speed matters:
Application deadlines
In general, there aren’t official annual deadlines set by immigration. Instead, many visa categories, including student visas, have recommended timeframes for applications based on university intake cut-offs or limited quotas.
For instance, Canada study permit applications are best made at least 3 months ahead of your intake period, and in Australia, early submissions for visa applications can benefit from priority visa processing based on Ministerial Directive 111 (MD111).
If you’re an arriving international student who missed a deadline or applied for a visa too close to your course start date, it can seriously hamper the status of your application. Delays in submitting a complete visa application, together with an IELTS score, can lead to missed opportunities for study abroad.
Various destinations may advise you differently, so get up-to-date news from the university and direct-from-immigration sources, or have personalised support with IDP study abroad guidance.
Time-sensitive opportunities
Aside from application deadlines, visa-related opportunities—such as job offers or study placements—often come with time constraints. Employers and universities will provide you with a limited window to submit your English test results and complete the visa process with immigration.
That’s why booking for an IELTS test in a timely manner and having your results available as soon as you need them is crucial. It ensures you can make the most of these opportunities and move forward with your plans.
IELTS on Computer: your fastest route to visa approval
With computer-based testing, you'll typically receive your IELTS on Computer results within 1-5 days, compared to around 13 days for the paper-based test. This means less waiting and more time to focus on completing the rest of your visa application.
A faster turnaround time can make a difference if you have upcoming deadlines or time-sensitive opportunities. The faster you can submit your application, the more likely your visa could be processed earlier.
Additionally, IELTS on Computer offers greater convenience with more frequent test dates and a wider range of test locations to choose from. This makes it easier to find a time and test venue that fits your schedule, even on short notice.
With IDP, booking your IELTS test online is quick and easy. Find your preferred date, timeslots and location and register in just a few clicks.
Top tips for a smooth visa application process
Here’s what to watch out for when preparing for your visa application:
1. Understand your IELTS score requirements
Whether you’re preparing a student or work visa application, it's important to check the English proficiency test requirements such as the IELTS score for your specific visa category. Different visas have different eligibility criteria, and you may need to meet both the overall score and the individual band scores for each IELTS test component (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
For example, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has specific requirements depending on the type of UK visa you're applying for. When taking IELTS for UKVI, applicants for the UK Skilled Worker visa need at least a minimum score of 4.0 in every component of the test, while others require a higher score.
To help you prepare and achieve your desired score, consider IELTS preparation help and try out online samples of IELTS tests to familiarise yourself with the test format and improve your current skills.
2. Start early, stay organised
One of the most important tips for a smooth visa application is to start early and keep on top of all documentation and submission areas. Be prepared to gather relevant and important documents, follow instructions provided by the immigration department accurately, and meet all stipulated deadlines.
It's essential to give yourself ample time and increase your chance at visa success. If you’re a visual learner, create a checklist of all required documents for your visa application and ensure you have covered it all throughout the process.
3. Be patient and persistent
Visa processing times can vary depending on different factors like the volume of applications, seasonality and individual circumstances we’re not privy to. However, you can get a rough gauge of how long it takes from the country’s immigration website.
Keep a level head as you kickstart the process, from submission to your visa interview, if there’s one. If you’re facing any unusual delay, don't hesitate to follow up with the relevant authorities to check the status of your visa application.
You can also meet an IDP study abroad counsellor to find out about visa requirements and receive trusted guidance in preparing a strong application.
Accelerate your visa application journey with fast IELTS results
Taking IELTS on Computer means less time waiting for your test score and more time to focus on other aspects of your visa application and to plan your move abroad. You could use the extra time to research your destination and make other arrangements for your new life overseas.
Book your IELTS test with IDP today and accelerate your journey towards visa approval!