IELTS Academic for Immigration: What You Need to Know
Usually, people need clarification about the IELTS exam, which is available in two formats. These include academic and general training, which helps test English proficiency for non-native speakers. In case you’re not aware, the IELTS Academic is typically designed for individuals pursuing higher education. On the other hand, IELTS General Training is designed for those seeking migration or employment opportunities. But our question here is, “Can IELTS Academic be used for immigration?” especially to countries like Canada and US. To answer this query, here you have relevant and helpful information exploring how IELTS Academic may apply to immigration. Also, following this information highlights the potential limitations of using it for immigration purposes.
Understanding IELTS Academic
You should choose IELTS Academic tests for English proficiency if you are aiming to study at universities in English-speaking countries. Indulging in it will let you explore the topics like IELTS academic Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Moreover, it also covers tasks like academic skills like essay writing and text analysis.
If you are looking for education purpose only, then IELTS Academic can be used in some immigration cases. Especially, if you are a healthcare professional and student transitioning from study to work. It is so because it assesses the skills needed for academic and professional success.
Use of IELTS Academic for Immigration
Healthcare Professionals
As a Healthcare professional, you can use IELTS Academic reading for immigration in specific countries. These include the UK, Australia, and Canada. Usually, these countries ask for high English proficiency for healthcare roles. That makes IELTS Academic the preferred or mandatory exam. To bring clarity, let’s jump onto below downward points:
First and foremost, if you are thinking of the UK, you must know that there’s a specific requirement to fulfill. Indeed, the NHS uses IELTS Academic to ensure doctors and nurses can communicate effectively and understand medical literature.
- When it comes to Australia’s skilled migration visas, they also accept IELTS Academic. The reason behind it is that it tests essential medical communication skills.
- Similarly, in Canada, healthcare professionals use IELTS Academic for licensure and immigration. That aligns with the language requirements for skilled professionals.
- In a nutshell, as we have seen, IELTS academic writing supports both professional registration and immigration for healthcare workers. Consequently, it brings balance and opportunities between both sides.
International Students Transitioning to Work
As an international student, you can use IELTS Academic for both university admission and post-study work visas in countries like Australia and Canada. You must follow the below points if you are an international student and dreaming of studying abroad:
- In case you are thinking of heading towards Australia then, Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows graduates to work for 18 months to four years. There’s no need to take IELTS General Training again and again.
- Likewise, in countries like Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) may accept your IELTS Academic score used for university admission. This makes the transition from study to work much easier than you think. Also, it can lead to permanent residency as well if you acquire excellent work experience.
That’s how, as per the above highlighting points, we can clearly see how beneficial IELTS Academic can be. Whether you are seeking university admission and post-study work visas in popular countries like Australia and Canada.
Read Also: Benefits of IELTS Exam: Why Take the IELTS Test?
Indirect Immigration Pathways Through Education
As a student, IELTS Academic can become extremely beneficial for you, specifically if you want to start your immigration journey through education. Besides the fact that it is not designed for immigration, it helps students gain university admission. Plus, it helps in completing their studies and transitioning to work via post-study work visas. Furthermore, there are many countries that use these visas to retain international graduates. That results in making IELTS academic reading a key part of their immigration strategy.
Education to Employment Pathway
In two popular countries like Australia and Canada, international students are primarily prioritized for post-study work visas. And eventually they can head towards permanent residency (PR). Moreover, by using IELTS academic writing for university admission, they take the first step toward long-term residency. As an international student, after completing your graduation, your next step should be towards securing a job. That helps in boosting your chances of getting a work visa or permanent residency.
Networking and Opportunities
Besides acquiring degrees and education, building networks and creating opportunities is important. So, as an international student, it will be easy for you to secure a job as soon as possible in a foreign land. Don’t worry, as creating so isn’t as difficult as it seems. It is so because, through internships, professional networks, or university job placements, a student can use their education to build a career. Consequently, this makes IELTS Academic a key tool for those aiming to turn their education into long-term residency.
Limitations and Considerations
The most admirable aspect about “IELTS Academic” is that it’s helpful. But at the same time, it’s not suitable for all immigration pathways. Especially when it comes to general immigration. Moreover, candidates for non-professional or non-academic visas must take IELTS General Training, which focuses on everyday English. This is often a better choice for those migrating for family reunification or general work. Therefore, it’s important to check specific immigration guidelines. Some countries only accept IELTS General Training for certain visa types, even if IELTS Academic is accepted in fields like healthcare or education.
In conclusion, IELTS Academic is mainly for education but also helps healthcare professionals and international students with immigration. Healthcare workers use it to meet language requirements in the UK, Australia, and Canada, while students can use their scores for work and permanent residency. However, IELTS General Training is better for general immigration. Candidates should check immigration policies to choose the right IELTS version for their needs.
Also Read: What Is a Good IELTS Score? Full Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Which IELTS is Used for Immigration?
For immigration purposes, IELTS General Training test is widely accepted and is mandated by the immigration authorities of countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. In this version, the candidate is assessed for everyday English language skills applicable in professional and social contexts. IELTS Academic is accepted or needed in case of studying, professional registration, or specific skilled worker visas.
Is IELTS Academic Accepted for Immigration?
IELTS Academic is used for immigration only in certain situations; it’s not the usual IELTS variant used for immigration. Authorities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK want IELTS General Training for PR, work or family visas because it tests the candidate’s ability to communicate in workplace and social situations.
IELTS Academic may be admitted for certain needs:
- If you are migrating to regulated areas of work such as healthcare, engineering or academic research.
- If you have applied for a UK visa with UKVI, which accepts both Academic and General Training in its Secure English Language Test (SELT).
It’s best to check with the exact visa requirements of the country you are immigrating to.
What is the Difference Between IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic?
IELTS General Training is used for immigration, work visas, and below degree-level studies. It is centred on everyday English usage in work and social situations.
The IELTS Academic test is designed for individuals seeking to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in English-speaking countries. It is considered more difficult due to its emphasis on academic-level English with data analysis.
Can I Use IELTS Academic for Australian Immigration?
Yes, Australia accepts IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training for skilled migration, permanent residency, and work and student visas. The country’s Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS Academic as an English proficiency test.
Which Countries Need IELTS for Immigration?
Countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, New Zealand and Ireland require IELTS for immigration. Others like the US, Ireland and Germany may need it under specific conditions for academic admissions, working in international companies, blue card applications, and specific professional licensing boards.
Is it Better to Take IELTS Academic or General?
The choice between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training boils down to your purpose. If you intend to apply to a university or get professional registration for doctors and nurses, choose IELTS Academic. If your purpose is immigration in Canada, Australia or New Zealand, work or PR, choose IELTS General Training.
Which English Test is Best for Immigration?
IELTS is by far the most widely accepted test for immigration across the world since its accepted by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland. Some countries also accept other tests, such as CELPIP in Canada and PTE Core in Australia.
What is a Good IELTS Academic Score?
A good IELTS Academic Score is 6.5 and above overall. You have to score at least 6 in each section. Reputed universities may need higher scores like 7.0 or 7.5.
