International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

by British Council, IDP & Cambridge

Valid for 2 years

Relocation Pathways

CountryPurposeRequirementVisa / Pathway
United KingdomWork5.5+ each (B2)Skilled Worker Visa
United KingdomResidencyLife Skills B1 passIndefinite Leave to Remain
United KingdomCitizenshipLife Skills B1 pass
CanadaWork6.0+ each band (CLB 7)Express Entry
CanadaResidency6.0+ each band (CLB 7)PR via Express Entry
CanadaCitizenshipCLB 4 (Listening 4.5, Speaking 4.0; speaking and listening only)
AustraliaWork5.0+ each bandSkills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
AustraliaResidency6.0+ each (competent); 7.0+ = 10pts; 8.0+ = 20ptsPR 189/190
New ZealandWork4.0+ overallAEWV
New ZealandResidency6.5+ overallSkilled Migrant Category
United KingdomUniversity6.5–7.5
CanadaUniversity6.5–7.0
AustraliaUniversity6.5–7.0
New ZealandUniversity6.0–6.5
United StatesUniversity6.5–7.0
IrelandUniversity6.0–6.5
GermanyUniversity6.5+
NetherlandsUniversity6.0–6.5
DenmarkUniversity6.5
SwedenUniversity6.5
FranceUniversity6.5
SpainUniversity6.0
ItalyUniversity6.0+
AustriaUniversity6.5+
BelgiumUniversity6.5+
SwitzerlandUniversity6.5+
CzechiaUniversity6.0+
EstoniaUniversity6.0–6.5
PolandUniversity6.0+
HungaryUniversity5.5–6.5
CroatiaUniversity6.0+
GreeceUniversity6.0+
PortugalUniversity6.0
SingaporeUniversity6.5
JapanUniversity6.0+
South KoreaUniversity5.5+
ThailandUniversity5.0–6.0
VietnamUniversity5.0–6.0
TaiwanUniversity6.0+
United Arab EmiratesUniversity5.0–6.5
GeorgiaUniversity5.5–6.0
South AfricaUniversity6.0–6.5
BrazilUniversity6.0+
ColombiaUniversity6.0+

Levels & Pricing (USD)

  • IELTS Academic~$2502h 45m
  • IELTS General Training~$2502h 45m
  • IELTS Life Skills~$17516–22 min

Dates & Locations

Offered weekly or bi-weekly at test centers worldwide.

Dates & Locations

Why Take IELTS?

Immigration

Required for skilled worker visas, permanent residency, and citizenship in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

University Admission

Accepted by over 11,000 institutions worldwide. The standard English test for universities in the UK, Australia, and Canada.

Professional Registration

Required by healthcare councils, engineering boards, and professional bodies in English-speaking countries.

Exam Structure

Listening

Duration: 30 minMax Score: 9.0

Reading

Duration: 60 minMax Score: 9.0

Writing

Duration: 60 minMax Score: 9.0

Speaking

Duration: 11–14 minMax Score: 9.0

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?

Academic is for university admission and professional registration. General Training is for immigration (PR, citizenship) and some work visas. The Listening and Speaking sections are identical; Reading and Writing differ.

What IELTS score do I need for Canadian PR?

For Express Entry, you need at least 6.0 in each band (CLB 7). Higher scores earn more points: 8.0+ in each band (CLB 9) gives you maximum language points.

How long is IELTS valid for immigration?

IELTS results are valid for 2 years from the test date. Most immigration programs require results less than 2 years old at the time of application.

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IELTS for Immigration & Study Abroad: Scores by Country | LottaLingo