Old IELTS Score Accepted or Not for Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand

It depends on the country and route. As of May 13, 2026, Canada and New Zealand usually need a result within 2 years, the UK usually needs a result within 2 years for SELT use but has some settlement or citizenship exceptions, and Australia often allows up to 3 years depending on visa subclass.

No for standard Express Entry use. IRCC says your language test results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.

Usually no for normal SELT use, because GOV.UK says the test must usually have been awarded in the 2 years before the application. But some settlement and citizenship cases can use an older B1-C2 qualification if the specific conditions are met.

Sometimes yes. The Department of Home Affairs says a test taken before the relevant application may still be valid for up to 3 years depending on the visa subclass, so you must check the exact visa page.

Usually no for skilled residence. Immigration New Zealand says the result must be no more than 2 years old when you apply.

IELTS says it recommends that results are considered valid for 2 years after the test, but it also says organisations can choose to accept results for a longer period.

Check the exact destination-country route and count forward from the real application date, not only the exam date. The route-specific official rule is the one that matters.

That depends on the country and route, but if there is any risk it will expire before the actual application stage, the safer plan is usually to recheck the official rule immediately rather than assuming you still have time.