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No Registration in IELTS PBT by Non-Resident Test Takers in India

No Registration in IELTS PBT by Non-Resident Test Takers: Aspirants can check the latest guidelines on students with non-resident status in India provided by the IDP along with its key features, exceptions, and more.
authorImagePorishmita Paul17 Jan, 2025
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No Registration in IELTS PBT by Non-Resident Test Takers in India

No Registration in IELTS PBT by Non-Resident Test Takers in India: The IDP released a new notice for all non-resident IELTS test-takers in India on 16 January 2025. As per the latest notice, aspirants applying for an IELTS paper-based test must provide acceptable proof of residence in India to register for the test. Candidates with a non-resident status in the country will be exempted from attempting an IELTS paper-based test effective 16 January 2025.

The IDP Education published the latest notification as an IELTS partner policy and will apply to all IELTS paper tests in India. According to the policy, all non-resident IELTS test-takers in India must provide proof of residence in India at least 3 days before their scheduled test date. However, candidates who are unable to provide acceptable proof of residence can apply for the IELTS Computer test on the same test date. Test-takers can read the complete writing to learn more about the importance of notice for non-resident IELTS test-takers in India .

Click Here to Explore IELTS Online Courses

No Registration in IELTS PBT by Non-Resident Test Takers in India

The latest notification published by IDP Education entails that no applicants with non-resident status in India can apply for the IELTS paper-based exam effective 16 January 2025. Those who wish to attempt the IELTS exam can apply for a Computer-delivered test without any proof of residence. The notice specifies that applicants with a temporary residence status can apply for a paper-based test provided they must submit proof of residence within the stipulated time. The inability to submit necessary documents in time can lead to the cancellation of an application for an IELTS paper-based test.

Difference Between IELTS and IELTS UKVI Exams

Non-Resident IELTS Test Takers in India Key Features

A few important features of the latest notice provided by the IDP IELTS are as follows:
  • Existing Bookings: Applicants who have registered for an IELTS paper-based test before 16 January 2025 will not be included in this policy. Therefore, they can appear for the test without any documents.
  • Response Timeline: The IDP has provided a maximum deadline of 72 hours to submit the necessary documents. Candidates who have applied for a paper test with a temporary residence status must submit proof of residence within 72 hours. Candidates can send their documents to the official email address of IDP with a minimum validity of 3 months. Moreover, if the candidate is not able to submit the documents on time, they may face cancellation of their application with a full refund of IELTS exam fees .
  • Test Day Requirements : Applicants must note that they are required to carry their proof of residence along with their admit card on the IELTS exam day. Failure to do so may restrict their entry into the IELTS test centres .
  • Alternative Option : Non-resident IELTS test-takers in India can apply for the IELTS computer-delivered test without any proof of residence.

Know more about Reschedule or Cancel your IELTS Exam

Non-Resident IELTS Test Takers in India Acceptable Proof of Residence

Students with non-resident IELTS test-takers in India can submit the following documents before the stipulated deadline to appear for the IELTS paper-based test:
  • Student Visa: Foreign candidates can submit a valid student visa stating the purpose, duration, and expiry date stamped in the passport.
  • Work Permit: Aspirants can submit the following two types of work permits:
    • A valid Employment Visa (stating status and expiry) is stamped in the passport.
    • A Work Permit document (showing expiry date)
  • Residence Permit: A valid Long-Term Stay or Dependent Visa (showing expiry date).

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Exceptions for Non-Resident IELTS Test Takers in India

There are a few major exceptions that allow non-resident IELTS test-takers in India to attempt the IELTS paper test without any proof of residence. These exceptions are as follows:
  • Students from foreign countries where IELTS is not available are exempted from any proof provided they have a valid passport from their home country.
  • Test takers with refugee status in India can apply for the test without any residency proof. The regional teams take charge in case of residency status due to a lack of formal documentation.
  • Applicants with free movement agreements will be allowed to appear for IELTS in any format without any proof. However, the candidate must have a valid passport. Here is a table including corresponding regions for free movement agreements:
Region/Agreement Applicable Countries
European Single Market Passport holders from EU, EEA, and Switzerland
EU Countries Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
EEA Countries Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
Switzerland Switzerland (not an EU or EEA member but part of the single market)
India/Nepal/Bhutan Passport holders from India, Nepal, and Bhutan
ECOWAS Zone (West African Free Movement) Passport holders from Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda
Candidates having non-resident IELTS test-takers in India can apply for a Computer-delivered IELTS test due to its smaller group size, faster results, same-day speaking test, and modern test environment. For more information and queries regarding the proof of residency, students can contact the IDP’s customer support team.

No Registration in IELTS PBT by Non-Resident Test Takers FAQs

Q. Can non-residents still register for IELTS on Paper after January 16, 2025?

Ans. No, non-residents cannot register for IELTS on Paper in India after January 16, 2025. They must either provide acceptable proof of residence in India or opt for the IELTS on a Computer test.

Q. What is the response timeline for submitting proof of residence?

Ans. Non-residents must submit acceptable proof of residence within 72 hours of notification, with a minimum validity of 3 months.

Q. Can I take the IELTS Computer test without proof of residence?

Ans. Yes, non-residents can register and take the IELTS Computer test without providing any proof of residence.

Q. Are refugee test takers required to provide proof of residence?

Ans. No, candidates with refugee status in India are exempted from providing proof of residence to sit for the IELTS exam.
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