What IELTS score do I need for a visa? 2026 requirements by country
Last verified 5 October 2026 · 7 min read · ieltspractice.app
Quick answer
There is no single IELTS score for every visa. Each country and route sets its own minimum, often per skill and for a specific test. For example, Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program needs IELTS General Training 6.0 in each skill, and Australia’s student visa needs 6.0 overall.
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Test: Set by your college or university
No IELTS score in the study permit rules. Check the English rule of your college or university
Result age: Set by your college or university
The SDS (Student Direct Stream) fast track closed on 8 November 2024. All study permits now use the regular process.
Photo: Kgbo — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
IELTS requirements by country and visa route
The table lists the minimum IELTS result for the main study, work and permanent residence (PR) routes in seven countries. A route is the visa or program you apply for. Each row comes from the government page that sets the rule.
Read three columns together: the test, the minimum and how old your result can be. A high score on the wrong test does not count. In the table, One Skill Retake means retaking just one part of the test, and Express Entry is Canada’s online system for permanent residence. For one country in more detail, see IELTS for Canada or IELTS for UK visas.
For study, the visa often sets no IELTS score at all. Canada, the USA, New Zealand and Germany leave it to your college or university. Australia and Ireland set a visa minimum, and your college or university may ask for more.
| Country | Goal | Route | Test | Minimum | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Settle permanently | Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program | IELTS General Training only (not Academic, and not One Skill Retake) | CLB 7: IELTS 6.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | Less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply |
| Canada | Settle permanently | Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class | IELTS General Training only (not Academic, and not One Skill Retake) | CLB 7 if your job is TEER 0 or 1, or CLB 5 if it is TEER 2 or 3 | Less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply |
| Canada | Settle permanently | Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program | IELTS General Training only (not Academic, and not One Skill Retake) | CLB 5 in Speaking and Listening, CLB 4 in Reading and Writing | Less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply |
| Canada | Study | Study permit (college or university) | Set by your college or university | No IELTS score in the study permit rules. Check the English rule of your college or university | Set by your college or university |
| Canada | Work | Post-Graduation Work Permit (after you study) | IELTS General Training | CLB 7 in all 4 skills after a university program, or CLB 5 after a college or other non-university program | No more than 2 years old when IRCC receives your application |
| Canada | Work | Other work permits: employer-specific (with a job offer) or open | No English test in the basic work permit rules | No IELTS score in the basic rules every work permit applicant must meet | Not applicable: the basic rules set no English test |
| UK | Study | Student visa: degree level or above | IELTS for UKVI, taken at an approved test centre | CEFR level B2: IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each of the 4 skills | Awarded in the 2 years before you apply |
| UK | Study | Student visa: below degree level | IELTS for UKVI, taken at an approved test centre | CEFR level B1: IELTS for UKVI 4.0 in each of the 4 skills | Awarded in the 2 years before you apply |
| UK | Work | Skilled Worker visa | IELTS for UKVI, taken at an approved test centre | CEFR level B2: IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each of the 4 skills | Awarded in the 2 years before you apply |
| UK | Work | Health and Care Worker visa | IELTS for UKVI, taken at an approved test centre | CEFR level B2: IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each of the 4 skills | Awarded in the 2 years before you apply |
| UK | Settle permanently | Settlement: ILR and British citizenship | IELTS Life Skills B1 (Speaking and Listening only), taken at an approved test centre | CEFR level B1: a Pass in IELTS Life Skills B1 (there is no band score) | Usually from the 2 years before you apply. An older B1 or higher result may count: for settlement if the test is still approved and was accepted for an earlier UK visa, for citizenship if it was accepted when you settled |
| Australia | Study | Student visa (subclass 500) | IELTS Academic or General Training, taken at a test centre (not IELTS Online) | IELTS 6.0 overall. 5.5 with at least 10 weeks of ELICOS or a foundation or pathway course, or 5.0 with at least 20 weeks of ELICOS | Taken in the 2 years before you apply |
| Australia | Work | Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams | IELTS Academic or General Training, taken at a test centre (not IELTS Online) | IELTS 5.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | Taken in the 3 years before you apply |
| Australia | Settle permanently | Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visas | IELTS Academic or General Training, taken at a test centre (not IELTS Online) | At least 6.0 in each skill (0 points). 7.0 in each skill earns 10 points, and 8.0 in each skill earns 20 points | Taken in the 3 years before you apply (this depends on the visa) |
| USA | Study | F-1 student visa | Set by your university | No fixed IELTS minimum for the visa. Your university sets its own English rule | Set by your university |
| New Zealand | Settle permanently | Skilled residence visas, including the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | IELTS General Training or Academic (One Skill Retake accepted), taken at a test centre | 6.5 overall for the main applicant (no score per skill). Partner or child aged 16 or over: 5.0 overall | No more than 2 years old when you apply. From 24 August 2026: up to 5 years for Skilled Migrant applicants with a recognised occupational registration (one on Immigration New Zealand’s list, such as a chartered accountant or a registered plumber) |
| New Zealand | Work | AEWV for a job at skill level 3, 4 or 5 | IELTS General Training or Academic (One Skill Retake accepted), taken at a test centre | IELTS 4.0 overall. Jobs at skill level 1 or 2 have no English requirement | No more than 2 years old when you apply |
| New Zealand | Study | Fee Paying Student Visa | Set by your education provider | No government IELTS score. Your provider must confirm that your English is good enough to pass the course | Set by your education provider |
| Ireland | Study | Study visa: degree and other higher-education courses | IELTS Academic, or IELTS for UKVI | IELTS 5.0 (the visa minimum only) | Certificate issued within 2 years of your course start date |
| Ireland | Study | Study visa: second-level (secondary school), foundation or preparatory English course | IELTS Academic, or IELTS for UKVI | IELTS 4.0 (the visa minimum only) | Certificate issued within 2 years of your course start date |
| Germany | Study | Residence permit for university study | Set by your university | No government IELTS score. Language proof is needed only if your university did not check your language skills when it accepted you | Set by your university |
| Germany | Work | EU Blue Card and skilled worker permits | No English test is needed for these permits | No IELTS or other English test in the rules for these permits | Not applicable: there is no government English test |
Sources (18)
Academic or General Training for my visa?
IELTS has two main versions. IELTS Academic is for university study. IELTS General Training is for moving to an English-speaking country, and for study below degree level.
Canada is the strictest. Express Entry, Canada’s online system for permanent residence, accepts only IELTS General Training. It does not accept Academic, or One Skill Retake (a retake of just one part of the test). The Post-Graduation Work Permit also uses General Training scores.
Australia accepts either version for its visas. New Zealand accepts either version for its skilled residence and work visas. For both countries, you must take the test at a test centre, not online at home.
Ireland’s study visa accepts IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI. If you are going to university anywhere, IELTS Academic is usually the right choice. Your university’s own page gives the final rule, so check it before you book.
How many points does English give in Australia?
Australia’s points-tested skilled visas turn English into points. Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each skill) lets you apply but earns 0 points. Proficient English (7.0 in each skill) earns 10 points, and Superior English (8.0 in each skill) earns 20 points.
| Item | Value (points) |
|---|---|
| Competent | 0 |
| Proficient | 10 |
| Superior | 20 |
Which countries accept IELTS?
IELTS says its results are accepted as proof of English by thousands of universities, colleges and workplaces around the world. The immigration departments of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK accept it too.
IELTS also says its Academic test is recognised by over 13,500 colleges, universities and professional bodies. These include some in countries where English is not the main language but courses are taught in English.
Ireland’s study visa accepts IELTS too. For a US or German study visa, there is no government IELTS score, so your university decides. The sections below give each country’s main rule.
IELTS score for Canada
For permanent residence through Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Worker Program needs CLB 7: IELTS General Training 6.0 in each skill. The Post-Graduation Work Permit needs CLB 7 after a university program, or CLB 5 after a college program. A study permit and the basic rules for other work permits set no IELTS score.
IELTS score for the UK
A Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa needs level B2: IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each skill. A Student visa needs B2 at degree level and B1 (4.0 in each skill) below degree level. Settlement and British citizenship need a pass in IELTS Life Skills B1.
IELTS score for Australia
The student visa (subclass 500) needs IELTS 6.0 overall, from a test taken in the last 2 years. You need only 5.5 or 5.0 if your course comes with at least 10 or 20 weeks of English classes for overseas students (ELICOS).
Points-tested skilled visas, such as subclasses 189 and 190, need at least 6.0 in each skill. The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) needs 5.0 in each skill in its Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams. For these visas, your test can usually be up to 3 years old, but the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) needs a test from the last 12 months.
IELTS score for New Zealand
Skilled residence visas need IELTS 6.5 overall for the main applicant, from a test no more than 2 years old. From 24 August 2026, some Skilled Migrant Category applicants can use a result up to 5 years old. They must hold a recognised occupational registration: one on Immigration New Zealand’s list, such as a chartered accountant or a registered plumber.
Canada adds an English rule to the Post-Graduation Work Permit
Applications made on or after this date need CLB (Canada’s scale of English levels) 7 after a university program, or CLB 5 after a college program.
Canada closes the Student Direct Stream (a fast track for study permits)
Study permit applications now go through the regular process.
Australia changes its approved English tests
IELTS Academic and General Training, including One Skill Retake, count when taken at a test centre. IELTS Online does not.
UK Skilled Worker English rises to level B2
New applicants need IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each skill. People extending a Skilled Worker visa they held before this date stay at B1.
New Zealand accepts 5-year-old results for some skilled migrants
Some Skilled Migrant applicants can use a result up to 5 years old. They must hold a recognised occupational registration: one on Immigration New Zealand’s list, such as a chartered accountant or a registered plumber. Read how long IELTS is valid for every country’s rule.
IELTS score for Ireland
Ireland’s study visa needs IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI 5.0 for a degree course, or 4.0 for a second-level (secondary school), foundation or English course. Your certificate must be issued within 2 years of your course start date, and your college may ask for more.
IELTS score for Germany
Germany sets no government IELTS score for a study visa: you need language proof only if your university did not check it when it accepted you. EU Blue Card and skilled worker permits need no English test, but a permanent settlement permit later needs German.
IELTS score for the USA
The F-1 student visa has no fixed IELTS score. Your university sets its own English rule. It records whether you meet it on your Form I-20 (the form your university gives you after it accepts you).
Requirements by country
IELTS for UKVI: when you need it
UK visas describe English as a CEFR level, such as B1 or B2. CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a scale of language levels. You prove your level with an approved SELT (Secure English Language Test).
For IELTS, the approved SELTs are IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills. UKVI stands for UK Visas and Immigration. You must take the test at an approved test centre, and it must be awarded in the 2 years before you apply.
You need IELTS for UKVI for a Skilled Worker visa (5.5 in each skill) and for a Student visa below degree level (4.0 in each skill). At degree level, your university can check your English itself and may ask for a different test, but it must still be level B2.
Settlement, also called indefinite leave to remain, and British citizenship use IELTS Life Skills B1. It tests only Speaking and Listening. The result is a pass, not a band score.
Check your level before you book
Many routes check each skill on its own, so one weak skill can stop your application. UK visas and Canada’s Express Entry both work this way.
Before you pay for the real test, take a free timed mock to see your band in each skill. If you already know your four scores, the IELTS band score calculator shows your overall band.
To see how each band and the overall score are worked out, read how IELTS band scores are calculated.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do I need for a Canada PR?
For Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Worker Program, you need CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) 7: IELTS General Training 6.0 in each skill. The Canadian Experience Class needs CLB 7 or CLB 5, depending on your job. Your result must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply.
Is IELTS Academic accepted for Canada Express Entry?
No. Express Entry accepts only IELTS General Training, and it does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake. The other English tests it accepts are CELPIP-General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) and PTE Core (Pearson Test of English).
What IELTS score is needed for a UK student visa?
For a degree or higher, you need level B2: IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each of the four skills. Below degree level, you need level B1: 4.0 in each skill. At degree level, your university can check your English itself, but it must still be level B2.
What IELTS score do I need for Australia PR?
For the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visas, you need at least Competent English: IELTS 6.0 in each skill, which earns 0 points. Proficient English (7.0 in each skill) earns 10 points, and Superior English (8.0 in each skill) earns 20. Your test must usually be from the 3 years before you apply.
Do I need IELTS for a US student visa?
Not for the visa itself: the F-1 student visa has no fixed IELTS score. Your university sets its own English rule. It records whether you meet it on your Form I-20 (the form your university gives you after it accepts you). For example, the University of Washington asks first-year students for IELTS 6.0, and the University of California, Berkeley asks for 6.5.
Which IELTS test is accepted for a New Zealand visa?
For skilled residence and work visas, Immigration New Zealand accepts IELTS General Training or Academic, including One Skill Retake. You must take it at a test centre, not at home. Skilled residence needs 6.5 overall for the main applicant, and the result must usually be no more than 2 years old. From 24 August 2026, some Skilled Migrant Category applicants can use a result up to 5 years old. They must hold a recognised occupational registration: one on Immigration New Zealand’s list, such as a chartered accountant or a registered plumber.
How old can my IELTS result be for a visa?
It depends on the route. UK visas, Canada’s Express Entry, New Zealand and Australia’s student visa use 2 years. Australia’s skilled visas, including the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), usually use 3 years, but Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) uses 12 months. In New Zealand, from 24 August 2026, some Skilled Migrant Category applicants can use a result up to 5 years old. They must hold a recognised occupational registration: one on Immigration New Zealand’s list, such as a chartered accountant or a registered plumber.
How much IELTS is required for Canada?
It depends on why you are going. Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Worker Program needs IELTS General Training 6.0 in each skill. The Post-Graduation Work Permit needs 6.0 in each skill after a university program. A study permit sets no IELTS score.
What IELTS score do I need for a Canada student visa or work permit?
A study permit sets no IELTS score, so check your college or university. The Post-Graduation Work Permit needs IELTS General Training: CLB 7 (6.0 in each skill) after a university program, or CLB 5 after a college program. The basic rules for other work permits include no English test, but some programs add their own requirements.
Is IELTS required for a UK student visa?
Not always. You usually need to prove your English, and an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI is one way. A degree taught in English can also count. At degree level, your university can check your English itself, but it must still be level B2.
What IELTS score do I need for Ireland?
For an Irish study visa, you need IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI 5.0 for a degree course, or 4.0 for a second-level (secondary school), foundation or English course. These are visa minimums, so your college may ask for more. Your certificate must be issued within 2 years of your course start date.
What IELTS score do I need for New Zealand residence?
Skilled residence visas, including the Skilled Migrant Category, need IELTS 6.5 overall for the main applicant, with no score per skill. A partner or child aged 16 or over needs 5.0 overall. The result must usually be no more than 2 years old.
Do I need IELTS for Germany?
Usually not for the visa. Germany sets no government IELTS score for study: you need language proof only if your university did not check it when it accepted you. EU Blue Card and skilled worker permits need no English test.
Sources
- IRCC: Express Entry language test results
- IRCC: study permit, who can apply
- IRCC: Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility
- IRCC: work permit, requirements to apply from outside Canada
- GOV.UK: Student visa, knowledge of English
- GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa, knowledge of English
- GOV.UK: Health and Care Worker visa, knowledge of English
- GOV.UK: prove your English for citizenship and settling
- Student visa (subclass 500) English instrument LIN 25/090
- Home Affairs: English proficiency for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
- Home Affairs: points table for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
- Study in the States (DHS): English proficiency and the Form I-20
- Immigration New Zealand: English language requirements for skilled residence visas
- Immigration New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Immigration New Zealand: English language requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Immigration New Zealand: Fee Paying Student Visa
- Immigration Service Delivery: English language requirements for study visas
- German Residence Act, sections 16b, 18a, 18b and 18g (official English translation)
- IRCC: Language requirements (includes the test equivalency charts)
- IRCC: end of the Student Direct Stream (8 November 2024)
- GOV.UK: prove your English with a Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- Home Affairs: English language visa requirements
- Home Affairs: Competent English
- Home Affairs: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- Immigration New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category changes from 24 August 2026
- IELTS: What can IELTS do for you? (who accepts IELTS)
- IELTS: test types (Academic, General Training, IELTS for UKVI)
- University of Washington: English proficiency (IELTS 6.0)
- University of California, Berkeley: requirements for international students (IELTS 6.5)
Facts on this page last checked against these sources on 5 October 2026.
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