?Does the Canadian Immigration Accept the IELTS IDP Test?
Yes, the Canadian immigration authorities accept the IDP IELTS Indicator as a valid English language proficiency test for certain immigration programs. However, it's important to note that the IELTS Indicator is generally considered a temporary measure and may not be accepted for all immigration programs. For most programs, including Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the standard IELTS test is typically required.
It's advisable to check the specific requirements for the immigration program you are interested in as these requirements can change over time. Always refer to the official Government of Canada website or consult with a licensed immigration consultant for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Acceptance of IELTS from IDP and British Council
The IELTS test from IDP or British Council is accepted by over 11,000 institutions, including the Government of Canada, for immigration purposes. The IELTS test is a global English Language proficiency test, meaning the test and the assessment criteria are the same no matter where you take the test. All IELTS results are analyzed by Cambridge Assessment English, regardless of whether you take the test with IDP or British Council.
For more information, visit the official IELTS website:
Personal Experience: Disproving the IELTS BC Myth
Before I decided to take the IELTS IDP test, I had heard rumors that the Canadian Immigration authorities only accepted IELTS tests from the British Council. I believed this myth until I decided to test it for myself. On June 30th of this year, I took the IELTS IDP test and scored the band I needed to qualify for my Express Entry application.
As you can see in the attached screenshot, there is only one drop-down option in the application page that mentions IELTS General Training. There are no specific options for IELTS IDP or BC separately. I entered my IDP details and created my profile, and as expected, I received my English proficiency scores accordingly.
Conclusion and Advice
Based on my personal experience, I am a living example that Canadian Immigration indeed accepts the IELTS IDP test. If you are considering applying for any Canadian immigration program and have concerns about the type of IELTS test required, I encourage you to verify the information on the official Government of Canada website.
Remember that immigration regulations are subject to change, so always stay informed and seek advice from licensed immigration consultants to ensure that your application process goes smoothly.