Do IELTS results have an expiry?

**mandymark** · 03-03-2009, 07:29 AM

Hi

I am looking into booking an IELTS test in April for my husband. We then plan to apply for our 175/176 visa, hoping to move around June 2010.

Someone has mentioned to me that the IELTS test is valid for 1 year, although I cannot see this written down anywhere and see that lots of people apply for a visa which has taken a lot longer to process.

Is this correct that the IELTS result would only be valid for a year? I am wondering whether this person is confusing this information with the meds.

Thanks, Mandy

**proud2beaussie** · 03-03-2009, 07:41 AM

Hi Mandy,
There is a thread on another forum here:
Skills Assessment Expiry : British Expat Discussion Forum

**The Ozcans** · 03-03-2009, 08:55 AM

Hi Mandy
The certificate is valid for 2 years, but once you apply for the visa the date will be frozen.
Good luck

Sue x

**mandymark** · 03-03-2009, 11:55 AM

Many thanks NigelinOz and Sue for your replies, thats great! I've found somewhere with a space on 21 March so will book that quick. Did you revise much Sue? I know there are threads recommending books/CDs etc - did you use these?

Thanks again, Mandy x

**The Ozcans** · 03-03-2009, 12:10 PM

Hi Mandy
My OH took the test and is a terrible student!!
English is his second language, so he was a bit more used to that kind of test.
I would do past tests and check you do it in the time allowed.
Library's the best bet, they have books with CDs. Someone did post an on-line help test. Try searching on here. If you can't find anything ask again!

Good luck
Sue x

**Rod** · 08-03-2009, 04:29 PM

I was wondering why one has to do the IELTS test when you have a British passport and English is your home language - is it possibly because I was born in Zimbabwe?

**The Ozcans** · 08-03-2009, 06:54 PM

Hi Rod
It's if you need extra points to qualify for a visa. You can still do it if you hold a British passport.

Sue x

**Rod** · 08-03-2009, 08:39 PM

Thanks Sue, a few more questions if I may - They only gave me 15 points instead of the full 25 if you are 'proficient' in English, if they gave me the 25 points I would have have exceeded the points I require for my 175 visa - this is what I don't understand, English is my home language,I only speak English?

**The Ozcans** · 08-03-2009, 08:52 PM

Hi Rod
If you don't get enough points without the IELTS test, and you get extra points with it, then just do the test! Lots of British passport holders who are native English speakers do the test to get the extra points. Hope that helps.

Good luck
Sue x

**mandymark** · 08-03-2009, 10:15 PM

Hi Rod,

Thought that I would clarify the reason for my husband sitting the IELTS test as he was born in the UK and has always held a British Passport. This is, as Sue mentions, to get the extra points required. Without doing the IELTS, he only has 95 points which include the 15 points for English. He therefore needs to gain extra points before we can apply for a visa as he needs a minimum of 100 points. I believe that if he passes the General IELTS test, he will then have 25, instead of 15 points for proficient English, taking his points to 105.

Hope this makes sense! Mandy x