According to recent surveys, 1 out of 4 people wants to migrate abroad. But how successful are they in doing so? Believe it or not! One key ingredient that can improve your chances of immigration could be a good IELTS score. The International English Language Testing System is a language proficiency test that provides value based on performance in the English language. It is widely accepted by governments, employers, and educational institutions all over the world. For many prospective immigrants, getting a good score in the IELTS examination is an important element of their immigration procedure. This blog unlocks all the opportunities that a good IELTS score can provide; the importance of the IELTS examination in the process of immigration, together with its benefits, requirements, and preparation strategies.

For those of you who are still taking the first steps for your settling abroad journey, let me explain the basics. The IELTS Exam is one of the leading English-language proficiency tests for evaluating the English language ability of a non-native speaker. This test examines a person in four different areas of expertise: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. There are two modules available to choose from: Academic and General Training. The latter one is normally required for immigration purposes since it deals with more practical English skills related to everyday life and working in an English-speaking native-speaking environment.

Most prospective immigrants might have the same question in mind. Why is IELTS important for immigration? The answer lies in the fact that it provides a standard measure for English language proficiency. Some of the key reasons why IELTS is important for immigration are enumerated below.

Language Proficiency Proof

In the case of many countries, immigration requires skill in the English language. The IELTS score shows that applicants have the necessary skills in using the English language to integrate into the community and workforce.

Enables Better Job Prospects

If you aim to bag a good job abroad, then a good IELTS score improves job prospects for an immigrant in a potential destination country. Employers from English-speaking countries generally prefer those who can demonstrate English language skills. This improves job prospects and provides better job performance and career advancement opportunities.

Provides Educational Opportunities

Mostly, an IELTS exam is required essentially for admission into the institution for immigrants intending to pursue further education. A high score in IELTS shall pave the way to some of the finest Universities and Colleges that provide access to quality education and better career prospects.

Provides Social Integration

Language barriers can be a big problem for an immigrant who wants to be integrated into a new society. An excellent command of the English language, manifested by a high IELTS score, means building social networking, understanding cultural nuances, and active participation in activities offered within the community.

Legal and Visa Requirements

In most cases, an IELTS exam is a required legal document when one is applying for a visa. Meeting the desired IELTS score ensures no hindrances in the smooth processing of immigration procedures. This compliance with legal provisions is important in attaining residence or work permits.

IELTS scores for immigration are prerequisites in every country individually. These can be revised based on the category of visa applied for, and, of course, the applicant profile is also an important criterion. Some general guidelines includes:

Canada

The Express Entry system requires a minimum IELTS score, usually a Canadian Language Benchmark of 6 in all four components; however, higher scores can lift the applicant’s CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score and enhance the chance of receiving an ITA.

One of the top priorities for Canadian immigration authorities is language, which is looked upon more as a means to integrate into Canadian society. A good IELTS score will do much to enhance the CRS score for skilled workers and professionals eyeing selection for an ITA for permanent residency.

Australia

For most types of skilled migration visas, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs requires an overall minimum IELTS score of 6 in each component. Higher scores will then give more points for the applicant in the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test.

One major determinant of the ability of a migrant to be effective in Australia’s economy and society is language proficiency. Getting a high score in IELTS can mean additional or more points within the general skilled migration points test, thus improving the chances of getting a skilled visa.

United Kingdom

Normally, the UK Visas and Immigration require the IELTS score to be a minimum of 4.0-5.5, depending on the type of visa applied for. Higher education and professional registration may require a higher score.

One of the major factors in the immigration policy of the UK is language ability. Developing effective communication among immigrants and making them integrate into British society has been the prime objective. Meeting the required IELTS score is a precondition for obtaining a visa for working, studying, or joining family members.

New Zealand

To apply for a visa for immigration and work in New Zealand through the skilled migration visa, one requires an average minimum of 6.5 in every section of IELTS. However, individual scores may be required depending on the visa applied for or the occupation.

Language proficiency is, therefore, one of the major and most critical factors in New Zealand if a migrant is to be able to integrate with the community and contribute to its economy. For complying with immigration criteria and gaining residency, a high IELTS score is of prime importance.

United States

Since there aren’t any formal IELTS requirements for immigration into the USA, the requirements in terms of scores are decided by educational institutions and employers. Generally speaking, admission into a good school or professional purposes requires one to have a competitive score of 6.5 to 7.0.

An immigrant coming to the U.S. can fulfill his or her academic and professional dreams by scoring high on the IELTS to prove language skills in English. Many universities and employers require proof of English language proficiency, and a high score in IELTS would turn out to be helpful in admission and job applications alike.

Taking IELTS as a part of your immigration process has so much more to offer than you might think. This will be plenty to spur your motivation to work hard for the test preparation. Among them are the following key benefits:

More Immigration Points

In a points-based immigration system, like Canada’s Express Entry and Australia’s General Skilled Migration, a good IELTS score could drastically improve an applicant’s score in the system, thus improving the likelihood of getting an invite to apply for residency.

High marks in IELTS are imperative in maximizing the points counted for a points-based immigration system. Therefore, these points become critical to obtain residency invitation-to-apply letters, so a good IELTS score is very valuable for any potential immigrant.

Better Community Integration

When moving abroad, one of the major issues you can face would be getting along with the community there. This can be solved up to an extent, if you have a decent grasp of the language. Developing strong English language skills aids immigrants to be integrated into their community more easily than otherwise. They can communicate with people, develop social contacts, and face all other day-to-day situations with confidence.

Meets Visa Requirements

VISA requirements should be complied with to ensure smooth processing of immigration. The recommended IELTS score for immigrants will meet the language proficiency requirement by the immigration authorities. This may prevent delays and problems associated with their visa applications.

Are you someone planning to start your IELTS journey? Well, you are at the right place to begin! Candidates have to adopt a strategic method of preparing for the IELTS exam. Following are some tips from our experts that have helped many immigrants score high in this exam:

Understand the Test Format

One should understand the test format-setting and the different question types and tasks for each section. This way, you would understand how to manage your time during the test.

Practice, Practice, and Practice more!

Regular practice is the key to mastering English. Avail yourselves of IELTS practice materials to hone your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

Take up an IELTS Preparation Course

Get personalized expert advice and feedback by enrolling in any IELTS preparation course. Neethu’s Academy is one of the many language academies that offer online and offline courses, depending on test-takers’ requirements for IELTS.

Develop Test-Taking Strategies

Learn test-taking strategies for reading, such as skimming and scanning, note-taking for listening, and laying out your thoughts for writing. Effective strategies can help you do better on the test.

Focus on Your Weaknesses

Focus on the things that you are bad at. Practice particularly at grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation to help your language all around.

Join Study Groups

Study groups can help to motivate and support each other. Using others in a study group to discuss test strategies and to share materials and practice can reinforce your preparation and increase confidence.

Set Realistic Goals

Nobody knows you better than you know yourself. So, set attainable targets and a study schedule that suits you and helps in developing your skills gradually. Consistent efforts over a period of time pay better than last-minute cramming.

The role of IELTS in the Immigration process cannot be denied. A high score on the IELTS test can bring in new opportunities, and better job prospects, and help in integrating into a country one moves to. On the understanding of requirements, benefits, and preparation strategies, prospective immigrants shall carry confidence into the test, and also be assured of better chances of success. With Neethu’s Academy, we offer courses in IELTS Prep, specially designed to enhance your dream of immigration.