Validity of IELTS 2024: Everything You Need to Know!

Overview

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognised test for non-native English speakers who aim to study or work in a different nation. It is generally regarded and well-known in countries where English is the primary language.

However, before taking the exam, you should understand the validity of the IELTS exam and how it varies by country. So, now, let’s delve into the topic in this blog.

Table of Contents

Overview
Validity of IELTS 2024
Why is Second Language Loss or Attrition Significant in IELTS?
Validity of IELTS for Popular Countries 2024
Conclusion
FAQs

Validity of IELTS 2024

The validity of IELTS exam is two years from the day the result is declared. However, in the immigration scenario, candidates must prove exam validity within a year of submitting applications.

The validity of IELTS begins when your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is deemed valid and actively acknowledged by universities and organisations. The exam is accepted by 3400+ institutes in the USA and 10,000 universities worldwide. However, if it has been a long time since you took the IELTS test, universities, visa officials, and other organisations may only accept your result if you are able to accept it.

Why is Second Language Loss or Attrition Significant in IELTS?

Second language loss or attrition is when a person loses the ability to speak English fluently due to the negligible use of the language. So that is why the validity of IELTS score is two years, but if the score is over two years old, then the IELTS’s conducting authority requires you to appear for the test again.

English is an ever-changing language. Many new words, meanings and phrases have been added in recent years. Even the universities prefer the latest IELTS test scores, as it helps them understand the current status of your command over the language.

Validity of IELTS for Popular Countries 2024

The standard validity of IELTS is two years, and it does not vary from country to country. However, the validity of IELTS may differ from where you are presenting the scores.

Here is the country-wise validity of IELTS scores:

IELTS Validity for USA

IELTS is accepted at approximately 3,400 universities in the United States. Usually, the validity of IELTS in universities and organisations in the United States is less than two years old.

We recommend checking with official sources to see if there are other eligibility requirements. While most accept the conventional validity period, individuals may prefer more recent scores. Here is an overview of the validity of IELTS in the United States.

Validity of IELTS for the USA	2 years
IELTS Minimum Score for USA	6.0-6.5

IELTS Validity for UK

IELTS is the most widely approved English language test in the United Kingdom, recognised by various educational institutions, employers, and immigration authorities. In the UK, the validity of IELTS score is two years.

However, checking with institutions and educational groups to see if they have additional eligibility requirements for validity is recommended. Here is an overview of the validity of IELTS in the United Kingdom.

Validity of IELTS for the UK	2 years
Average Minimum Score for UK Universities	6.0-6.5

IELTS Validity for Canada

IELTS is widely accepted in Canadian institutions, organisations, and immigration offices. Like other countries, Canada has a two-year IELTS validity for entrance reasons. However, if you are applying for permanent residency in Canada, you must follow the requirements below.

Your IELTS score must be less than two years old (24 months), or your application will be denied.
IRCC takes around 6 months to process your application. You must guarantee that your IELTS results remain valid during this timeframe.

Here is an overview of the validity of IELTS in Canada.

Validity of IELTS for Canada	2 years
Average Minimum Score for Universities in Canada	6.0-6.5
Minimum Score for Express Entry	6.0

IELTS Validity for Australia

IELTS is one of Australia's most popularly accepted language competency tests. The validity of IELTS in Australia for admission and study visas is two years.

However, IELTS results are valid for three years in Skilled Migration applications. If you want to work in Australia, you should take the IELTS test because many employers need confirmation of English language proficiency. Here is an overview of the validity of IELTS in Australia.

Validity of IELTS for Australia (Admissions and Student visa)	2 years
Validity of IELTS for Australia (Skilled Migration Application)	3 years
Average Minimum Score for Universities in Australia	6.0-6.5

Conclusion

The validity of IELTS in almost every country is two years. It may vary depending on the country, course, and specific educational institution you are applying to. You should reappear for the IELTS exam if the scores are over two years old. The IELTS’s conducting authority thinks that if you are not a native English speaker, your English language proficiency may be adversely affected with time. So, to know the current status of your English Proficiency, they suggest you retake the exam.

We hope you liked reading the blog. However, if you are looking for more information or seeking guidance on IELTS preparation, you can contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for additional guidance if you want further details regarding the IELTS Exam. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best test material and guidance to ace the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session and an IELTS online practice test via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388 for further queries.

FAQs

Many countries, organisations, and immigration authorities consider IELTS scores invalid after two years. The scores represent your proficiency in the English language, which is required to work or study in an English-speaking country or environment. The validity of IELTS scores is determined over two years because knowledge of English language skills fades over time. It should also be noted that the validity period is country-based, beginning with the date the findings are published. As a result, once one receives their results, they should start the visa process immediately. The online IELTS exam results are usually available within five to seven days of the test date. The offline exam may take up to 13 days.

The validity of IELTS scores is determined by the date the exam results are published and made available to candidates. The IELTS scorecard is valid for two years in most countries that accept it.

IELTS's reading and listening components are assessed on a 40-point scale. The band score for these passages ranges from 0 to 9. A raw score is the number of accurate answers an applicant provides during the test. The band score, on the other hand, is calculated by factoring in the raw scores.

Canada's minimum IELTS score is determined by various criteria. For example, the minimum score necessary for UG courses is 6.0 on average, whereas PG courses demand a 6.5. It also depends on the universities. Top-rated universities may require a score higher than 7. Canada's Express Entry pathway requires a minimum score of 6.0.