IELTS Non-Resident Policy FAQs

What is the new IELTS Non-resident booking policy about?

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. Please check the following question for the list of countries/territories where IELTS is not available.
  • 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.

What are the exception countries/territories under this policy (where IELTS is not available)?

Here is the list of countries/territories where IELTS is not available: 

AFGHANISTAN

AMERICAN SAMOA

ANDORRA

ANGOLA

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

ARUBA

BAHAMAS

BARBADOS

BELARUS

BELIZE

BENIN

BOLIVIA, PLURINATIONAL STATE OF

BURKINA FASO

BURUNDI

CAPE VERDE

CAYMAN ISLANDS

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

CHAD

COMOROS

CONGO

CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE

CUBA

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

DJIBOUTI

DOMINICA

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

EL SALVADOR

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

ERITREA

FALKLAND ISLANDS

FRENCH GUIANA

FRENCH POLYNESIA

GABON

GRENADA

GUADELOUPE

GUINEA

GUINEA-BISSAU

GUYANA

HAITI

HONDURAS

ICELAND

KIRIBATI

LESOTHO

LIBERIA

LIECHTENSTEIN

MALI

MARSHALL ISLANDS

MARTINIQUE

MAURITANIA

MICRONESIA, FEDERAL STATES OF

MONACO

NAURU

NETHERLANDS ANTILLES

NEW CALEDONIA

NICARAGUA

NIGER

NIUE

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

PALAU

PARAGUAY

PUERTO RICO

RÉUNION

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

SAINT HELENA, ASCENSION AND TRISTAN DA CUNHA

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

SAINT LUCIA

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

SAMOA

SAN MARINO

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE

SOLOMON ISLANDS

SOMALIA

SOUTH SUDAN

SUDAN

SURINAME

SWAZILAND

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC

TAHITI

TAJIKISTAN

TONGA

TURKMENISTAN

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

TUVALU

UKRAINE

VIRGIN ISLANDS, BRITISH

VIRGIN ISLANDS, U.S.

YEMEN

Why is this change being implemented?

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

What documents are accepted as proof of residency?

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. 

How do I submit proof of residency?

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

What if I don’t have proof of residency in the country where I want to take the test?

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. 

Does this change affect all IELTS test types (Academic, General Training)?

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).

Can I still take the test if I am a visitor in the country or a tourist?

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. 

Will I be refunded if I cannot provide proof of residency?

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. 

How will this policy affect my IELTS results or my application process?

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. 

What happens if my proof of residency is rejected?

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. 

When will this policy come into effect?

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.

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