From higher education to future employment, the United States of America has plenty to offer those who are looking to embark on their overseas journey.
With its cultural diversity, opportunities for career growth, and the abundance of travel opportunities within the country itself, it’s no question why many people aim to get permanent residency in the US.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that 29.8 million foreign-born workers made up the US labour force in 2022, which makes up 18.1 per cent of the total workforce.
At that rate, you can expect this number to increase over time.
But before you even think of acquiring permanent residency or a green card in the USA, you must first ensure that you have the relevant English language skills, via IELTS certification for example, to work in the country.
Here are the minimum IELTS band scores required and the various pathways to consider if you’re interested in getting US PR this year!
IELTS scores to work in the US and get PR in 2024
1. Work and attain a green card in the USA with a study visa
Getting an F-1 study visa and successfully graduating from an American university is the first step in one of the most common ways you can eventually attain permanent residency as a green card holder in the country.
An important condition of applying for an F-1 visa is to show an English proficiency level suited for entry into an academic program there. Taking the IELTS test would help you meet this requisite. The minimum IELTS score for undergraduate or postgraduate programs averages between 6.0 to 6.5 out of 9.0, depending on the university.
To give you a better idea of the IELTS minimum requirements for the top universities in the USA, take a look at the rankings and required scores below:
(Source: Hyperlink to Article 6 - Minimum IELTS score to study in US universities in 2023)
As for the complete online student visa application requirements, let us help guide you through the process!
University | Global rank (QS World University Rankings 2024) | Global rank (THE World University Rankings 2024) | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | 3 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
Harvard University | 4 | 4 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 10 | 9 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
University of Chicago | 11 | 13 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
University of Pennsylvania | 12 | 16 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
Cornell University | 13 | 20 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 15 | 7 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
Yale University | 16 | 10 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
Princeton University | 17 | 6 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
Columbia University | 23 | 17 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
Johns Hopkins University | 28 | 15 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 29 | 18 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 33 | 23 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
New York University | 38 | 27 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
(Source: Minimum IELTS score to study in US universities in 2024)
F-1 students who want to attain permanent residency may apply for the first-preference EB-1, second-preference EB-2 or third-preference EB-3, which are immigrant visas. EB-2 and EB-3 visas require sponsorship from an employer. This will effectively secure your transition from student to an employee, and qualify you to file a green card application.
As for the complete online student visa application requirements, you can always get free advice from a study abroad counsellor with IDP.
2. Work and attain a green card in the USA with a work visa
For those planning to work in the United States, you’ll be happy to know that there is no English language requirement or IELTS certification needed for applying to be a permanent resident. This is regardless of whether you studied at an American university or not.
However, you will still have to apply for a temporary work visa based on the type of work you plan to do.
Here are some of the most common visa types:
H-1B visa: This is a temporary work visa from your employer to perform services in a specific and speciality occupation.
H-1B1 treaty-based temporary work visa: This visa is specifically for Singaporean and Chilean citizens who already have a job offer in a specialty occupation from their employer.
H-3 (trainee or special education visitor): This visa allows you to come to the US as a trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitor to train in specific fields, such as the education of children with special needs.
O (persons with extraordinary ability or achievement): This visa can be issued if you have extraordinary ability or achievement in specific fields including education, arts, business, sciences and athletics, to name a few.
P (athletes, artists, entertainers) visa: If you are an athlete, entertainer, artist or essential support personnel, this visa is for you.
Q (cultural exchange) visa: This work visa is suitable if you are looking to join an international cultural exchange program designated by the Department of Homeland Security.
As a temporary visa holder already residing in the US, you may be able to apply to adjust your status from a work visa to a green card, usually with an employer’s sponsorship, to become a lawful permanent resident.
3. Work and attain a green card in the USA as a nurse
The US is one of the best places to pursue a fulfilling career in nursing thanks to the massive room for career development offered to registered nurses who are internationally educated.
Generally, a green card application for qualified international nurses has a shorter processing timeline than that of other occupations to help US institutions address a critical demand for healthcare services.
However, international registered nurses taking their career to the States will need to complete a screening program to obtain a VisaScreen certificate, which has an English language requirement. Registered nurses will need to sit the IELTS Academic test and achieve an overall IELTS band score of 6.5, with a 7.0 in the speaking section.
Once you’ve verified your prior credentials, passed the national exam and obtained a registered nurse license and work visa, you can finally make the switch to practice nursing in the US!
Pursue your career and PR in the US with IELTS by IDP
Now that you’ve explored all the possible pathways that could lead you to work and obtain permanent residency in the US, it’s time for the next step.
As a joint owner of the IELTS test, IDP helps students and professionals work towards the score they need for IELTS.
Download the IELTS by IDP app to gain all the benefits at your fingertips, from a wealth of official IELTS preparation resources to convenient test locations.
Get started by booking your IELTS test today!