How long is an IELTS result valid?
Facts last checked against official sources on October 7, 2026.
Short answer
The IELTS partners recommend treating a result as valid for 2 years, and most universities and immigration bodies do not accept older results. The institution decides; some may accept older results.
Canada and migration
For migration applications such as Canada’s Express Entry the result must be under 2 years old; One Skill Retake results are not accepted there.
How is the validity judged?
Your result date is on your Test Report Form (TRF). Most institutions do not accept a TRF that is more than 2 years old; whether they count to your application date or your enrolment date is their own rule.
What if your result has expired?
You need to take the test again. If you only fell short in one section, centres that offer it let you retake just that section with One Skill Retake; not every institution accepts that result, so ask yours first.
Sources
Dates and rules can change. Check the organiser’s official page before you apply; that page is binding.
Start preparing for IELTS today
Take the free level test to see where you stand; Prepina builds a 10–20 minute daily plan around your exam date.