How Long Is Your IELTS Score Valid? Complete Guide by Country and Purpose
One of the most common questions IELTS test-takers ask is: "How long is my IELTS score valid?" The short answer is 2 years, but the detail matters. This guide explains exactly when your score expires, how different countries and organisations interpret validity, and what to do if your score is about to expire.
The Standard 2-Year Rule
IELTS scores are officially valid for 2 years from the date of the test. This is set by the IELTS partners (British Council, IDP, and Cambridge) and is the standard recognised worldwide.
Why 2 years? Language proficiency can change over time. If you do not use English regularly, your skills may decline. The 2-year limit ensures that the score reflects your current ability, not what it was several years ago.
When Does the Clock Start?
| Date | Is This When Validity Starts? |
|---|---|
| Date you took the test | Yes — this is the official start date |
| Date results were released online | No |
| Date printed on your TRF | No (this may differ from the test date) |
| Date you received the physical TRF | No |
Example: If you took IELTS on 15 March 2026, your score is valid until 14 March 2028.
Validity by Country and Purpose
While the 2-year rule is universal, different countries interpret "valid at the time of application" differently. This section covers the major destinations.
United Kingdom
| Purpose | Validity Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa (Tier 4 / Student Route) | Must be within 2 years at time of application | Must be IELTS for UKVI |
| Skilled Worker visa | Must be within 2 years at time of application | IELTS for UKVI required |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Must be within 2 years at time of application | IELTS Life Skills may apply |
| University admission (non-visa) | Usually within 2 years, some accept 3 | Check individual university policy |
| Professional registration (GMC, NMC) | Within 2 years | Strict enforcement |
Canada
| Purpose | Validity Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) | Valid when you create profile AND when you receive ITA | Use CLB converter to check scores |
| Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) | Within 2 years at time of application | Some provinces have additional requirements |
| Study permit | Within 2 years, checked by the university | University sets the minimum score |
| Canadian citizenship | Within 2 years at time of application | CLB 4 minimum required |
Australia
| Purpose | Validity Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled visa (subclass 189, 190, 491) | Within 3 years at time of application | Australia allows 3 years for some visa classes |
| Student visa (subclass 500) | Within 2 years at time of application | University may have its own requirement |
| Partner/spouse visa | Within 12 months for some applicants | Check specific visa subclass requirements |
| Professional registration | Varies by profession | Medical, nursing, engineering each have own rules |
New Zealand
| Purpose | Validity Requirement |
|---|---|
| Skilled Migrant Category | Within 2 years at time of application |
| Student visa | Within 2 years (university sets score) |
| Work to Residence | Within 2 years at time of application |
United States
| Purpose | Validity Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University admission | Within 2 years (some accept 2.5–3) | Varies significantly by institution |
| Professional licensing | Within 2 years | State-level requirements vary |
| Immigration (no IELTS requirement) | N/A | US immigration does not require IELTS |
Other Countries
| Country | Standard Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2 years | Universities may have specific requirements |
| Netherlands | 2 years | Some programmes accept older scores |
| Ireland | 2 years | Stamp 4 and ICT applications |
| Singapore | 2 years | Universities and professional bodies |
| Hong Kong | 2 years | Immigration and universities |
| UAE / Gulf States | 2 years | Professional licensing and universities |
For detailed immigration score requirements, visit our Immigration Scores page.
University-Specific Validity
Most universities follow the standard 2-year rule, but there are important nuances:
- Some universities require the score to be valid at the start of the programme, not just at the application date. If you apply in January for a September start, your score must still be valid in September.
- A small number of universities accept scores up to 3 years old. This is uncommon but worth checking.
- Foundation programmes and pre-sessional courses may have different validity requirements.
- Some universities accept expired scores if you have been studying in English since taking the test. This is at the university's discretion.
Check our University Requirements page for score requirements by institution.
What to Do If Your Score Is About to Expire
Option 1: Submit Your Application Before Expiry
If your score is close to expiring, submit your application as soon as possible. Most organisations check the validity date at the time of application submission, not at the time of decision. However, verify this with your specific organisation.
Option 2: Retake the Test
If you cannot submit in time, retake the test. Consider using the computer-delivered format for faster results (3-5 days vs 13 days for paper-based).
Option 3: Check for Exceptions
Some organisations may accept slightly expired scores if you can demonstrate ongoing English use (e.g., working or studying in an English-speaking environment). Contact them directly to ask, but do not rely on this.
Planning Your IELTS Timeline
To avoid validity issues, plan your test date strategically:
| Your Goal | Recommended Test Window | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| UK September university intake | October – April (year before) | Allows time for retake if needed; valid through September |
| Canada Express Entry | As recently as possible | Must be valid when ITA arrives (could be months later) |
| Australia skilled visa | Within last 2–3 years | 3-year validity for some visa subclasses |
| UK work visa | Within 6 months before application | Allows comfortable margin within 2-year validity |
| Professional registration | Within 12 months before application | Registration processes can be lengthy |
Accessing Your Results After 2 Years
Even though your score expires for application purposes, you can still access your results:
- Online access: Results are typically available on the British Council or IDP portal for up to 28 days after results are published.
- TRF verification: Organisations can verify your TRF for up to 2 years using the IELTS verification service.
- Physical TRF: Your paper TRF remains a valid document, but organisations will not accept it after 2 years for new applications.
- Additional TRFs: You can request up to 5 additional copies of your TRF free of charge within 2 years of the test date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date
- The clock starts on the day you sit the test, not when you receive results
- Most countries enforce the 2-year limit strictly for immigration
- Australia may accept scores up to 3 years old for certain visa classes
- Plan your test date carefully, especially for Canada Express Entry where processing can take months
- If your score is expiring, consider computer-delivered IELTS for faster results
Start your preparation with our study plans and aim for your target band score on the first attempt.