IELTS Non-Resident Policy FAQs

The new policy requires test takers to provide proof of residency in the country where they plan to take the IELTS on paper test. Proof of residency (permits or visas) cannot be for periods of less than three consecutive months. 

There are some exceptions to this policy. You do NOT need to provide proof of residency if:

• IELTS is not available in your country of residency - Passport holders of countries where IELTS is not offered will be allowed to sit IELTS in any format. 
• You have refugee status – Any person holding refugee status will be allowed to sit IELTS in any format. 
• You are taking a test in the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America
• You are a passport holder of a European single market country. The single market consists of the following countries: 
  - EU - Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

  - EEA - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
  - Switzerland.  

• If you have a passport issued in Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan and want to take the test in China, you do NOT need to prove residency.

This change is being implemented to streamline efficiency for IELTS on paper testing.

Most countries/territories issue residency permits (student/work/dependent) or ID card to people who do not have the right to live and work there.  These documents are normally sufficient to prove residency. 

Your test centre will contact you asking you to provide proof of residency. 

If you do not meet the residency requirement, you could take IELTS on computer instead as this policy does not apply to that version of the test. 

Yes, the new proof of residency requirement applies to all types of IELTS on paper tests: Academic, General Training, and IELTS for UKVI (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration).

No, the policy specifies that you must be a resident of the country for a minimum of three months. Visitors or tourists will not be able to take the test unless they have met this residency requirement. 

It's advisable to check with the test centre where you booked your test for their specific refund policies in case you cannot meet the residency requirements. 

This change does not affect the content or structure of the IELTS test. It is only relevant to the booking and verification process. As long as you meet the residency requirements and follow the correct procedure, your test results will be processed as usual. 

If your proof of residency is rejected, you will be notified and asked to submit a different document. If you fail to provide acceptable proof, your test booking may be cancelled, and you may be required to rebook the test. 

The policy change will come into effect on the following dates:

10 December 2024

• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Ghana
• Kazakhstan
• Mongolia (British Council only)
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Uzbekistan

16 January 2025

All other countries worldwide (where applicable) except: 

• EU - Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden. 
• EEA - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
• Switzerland 
• Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan

Test takers are encouraged to check their test centre’s website for updates and detailed instructions on the new booking process. 

For further assistance or questions about the booking process and residency requirements, please contact your local IELTS test centre directly.