Free tool
When does my IELTS expire?
Enter your test date and what you need your result for. The calculator applies that organisation's validity rule.
Pick your test date to see when your result expires.
Validity rules last checked against each organisation's own page on 7 October 2026.
Sources:
- IELTS: verifying IELTS results (validity period)
- IDP IELTS: how long are IELTS scores valid?
- IRCC: Express Entry language test results
- GOV.UK: prove your English with a SELT
- Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500)
- Home Affairs: Competent English
- Home Affairs: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- Immigration New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Immigration New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category changes from 24 August 2026
- Immigration New Zealand operational manual: SR3.30 recognised registrations
- NMC: accepted English language tests
- Ahpra: accepted English language tests
The full rules by country, with sources: How long is IELTS valid?
Frequently asked questions
Does IELTS validity start from the test date or the result date?
Usually from the test date: IDP counts the 2 years from the day you sat the test. Some organisations word it differently (UK visa rules use the date the test was awarded), so if you are unsure, count from your test date.
Can I extend my IELTS validity?
No. An expired result cannot be extended or renewed, so you need to take the test again. One Skill Retake cannot help here, because it must be taken within 60 days of your original test.
Is IELTS valid for 2 years or 3 years?
The standard recommendation is 2 years, but some organisations set their own limits. Choose your purpose in the calculator to see the rule that applies.