Welcome to the January 2026 edition of our IELTS news update. This month brings significant developments across the English language testing landscape, with major changes to competitor tests and important immigration policy shifts that directly affect IELTS candidates planning to study, work, or migrate internationally.
IELTS Developments
IELTS continues to demonstrate stability and reliability as the world’s leading English language assessment, maintaining its strong position while competitor tests undergo significant transformations.
Continued Stability in a Changing Market
While competing tests announce major format overhauls and scoring system changes, IELTS maintains its established format that candidates and institutions worldwide have trusted for over three decades. The test’s consistent approach offers certainty to test-takers during a period of significant change in the English testing industry. IELTS remains accepted by more than 12,500 organisations across 140 countries, including universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional registration bodies.
One Skill Retake Continues Strong Uptake
IELTS One Skill Retake remains a significant advantage for computer-delivered test candidates, allowing them to retake a single skill component within 60 days of their original test. This feature, exclusively available for computer-delivered IELTS, provides candidates with a practical option to improve one skill score without retaking the entire examination. With more test centres offering computer-delivered IELTS globally, this benefit is accessible to an increasing number of candidates.
Australia Recognition Secured Through 2028
IELTS candidates seeking Australian visas benefit from the three-year agreement signed in July 2025 between the IELTS Partners (British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment) and Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. This agreement secures IELTS recognition for visa and migration purposes through 2028, ensuring candidates can confidently use IELTS results for their Australian study, work, and migration applications.
UK IELTS for UKVI Updated for New Requirements
From 8 January 2026, the UK has raised its English language requirement for Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual visas from B1 to B2 level. IELTS for UKVI remains an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for demonstrating this higher proficiency level. Candidates achieving a minimum of 5.5 in each component satisfy the B2 requirement across speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
English Language Testing Landscape
January 2026 marks a period of significant transformation in the English language testing market, with major competitors launching substantial changes to their test formats and scoring systems.
TOEFL iBT Launches Major Overhaul
ETS launched a comprehensively redesigned TOEFL iBT on 21 January 2026, introducing several significant changes:
New Scoring Scale: TOEFL has introduced a new 1-6 band scoring scale designed to align with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). For a two-year transition period until January 2028, score reports will display both the new 1-6 scale and the traditional 0-120 scale to help institutions adapt.
Adaptive Testing: The Reading and Listening sections now use a multistage adaptive format, where the difficulty of questions adjusts based on candidate performance in earlier stages.
Shortened Test Duration: The total test time has been reduced to approximately 90 minutes, down from the previous two-hour format.
New Speaking Tasks: The Speaking section has been completely revised, replacing all four previous tasks with two new formats: a virtual interview comprising short questions on the same topic, and a listen-and-repeat task.
Content Changes: Reading passages now include content from websites and magazines rather than exclusively academic texts, and Listening includes peer conversations alongside traditional lectures.
For IELTS candidates, these extensive TOEFL changes highlight the stability of the IELTS format. While TOEFL undergoes its most significant transformation in decades, IELTS maintains its established structure that candidates and institutions understand. IELTS also continues to offer a face-to-face Speaking component with a human examiner, valued by universities for its authentic assessment of real-world communication skills.
PTE Academic Format Changes Bedding In
PTE Academic continues operating under the format changes implemented in August 2025, which introduced two new question types: Summarise Group Discussion (requiring candidates to summarise a three-person discussion) and Respond to a Situation (where candidates provide spoken responses to situational prompts). Pearson has also updated its concordance study comparing PTE and IELTS scores based on research released in July 2025.
While PTE’s AI-scored format offers fast results, IELTS’s human examiner approach for Speaking remains preferred by many institutions seeking authentic assessment of spontaneous verbal communication. IELTS also maintains broader global acceptance, particularly for immigration purposes where many countries specifically require IELTS for UKVI or equivalent in-person tested formats.
Duolingo English Test Acceptance Continues Growing
The Duolingo English Test (DET) continues to expand its acceptance, now recognised by over 6,000 programmes across more than 110 countries. In the United States, 98 of the top 100 universities ranked by U.S. News & World Report accept DET, including all Ivy League institutions. UK acceptance has grown to over 130 universities, including members of the Russell Group. Ireland officially recognises DET for student visa applications, listing it among accepted tests for immigration purposes.
However, DET’s acceptance for immigration purposes remains limited compared to IELTS. The test is not accepted for UK visa applications requiring a Secure English Language Test, Australian skilled migration, or Canadian immigration purposes where IELTS remains the established standard. For candidates with plans that may include future migration, IELTS provides a more versatile qualification accepted across both academic and immigration pathways worldwide.
International Migration News for IELTS Candidates
January 2026 brings significant immigration policy changes across major English-speaking destinations. Understanding these developments helps IELTS candidates plan their test timing and score requirements strategically.
United Kingdom
Higher English Requirements Now in Force
From 8 January 2026, new applicants for Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual visas must demonstrate CEFR B2-level English proficiency (upper-intermediate), up from the previous B1 requirement. This applies to speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. For IELTS for UKVI, candidates must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each component to satisfy the B2 standard.
Existing visa holders who previously met the B1 requirement can continue with that level for extensions, but anyone switching into Skilled Worker from Graduate visa or other routes after January 2026 must meet the higher B2 threshold. Graduate visa holders planning their transition to Skilled Worker sponsorship should factor in additional preparation time to reach the higher English standard.
Proposed Settlement Pathway Changes
The UK Government has proposed extending the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) from five to ten years for most sponsored work routes. A consultation on these “earned settlement” proposals closes on 12 February 2026, with implementation planned for April 2026. The proposed system would introduce points-based factors that can reduce or increase the qualifying period, including sustained employment, tax contributions, and immigration compliance. Individuals approaching their current five-year qualifying period may wish to consider applying for settlement before April 2026 to avoid transition to the new system.
Graduate Visa Duration Reduction Scheduled
Students arriving in the UK in 2026 should note that from 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa duration for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders will reduce from 24 months to 18 months. PhD graduates will continue receiving three-year post-study work permission. This affects planning for international students beginning courses in 2026 who intend to remain in the UK after graduation.
Electronic Travel Authorisation Expansion
From 25 February 2026, travellers from more than 85 countries previously exempt from visa requirements, including EU nationals, Canadians, and Americans, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the UK. While this does not require English testing, it represents a broader tightening of UK border controls that IELTS candidates should be aware of when planning travel for test bookings or university visits.
Canada
Master’s and Doctoral Students Exempted from Study Permit Cap
From 1 January 2026, master’s and doctoral students enrolled at public designated learning institutions no longer need to submit a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) with their study permit applications. This means graduate students are now exempt from Canada’s international student cap, making it easier for high-level academic candidates to secure study permits. Doctoral students at public institutions may also benefit from expedited permit processing of as little as two weeks. This exemption recognises graduate students’ contribution to Canada’s research and innovation sectors.
Continued Reduction in Overall Student Numbers
Canada will issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026 (including 155,000 for new arrivals and 253,000 for extensions), representing a 7% decrease from 2025. Of these, approximately 180,000 will be issued to students requiring PAL/TAL attestation, distributed across provinces based on population. The target for new international student arrivals represents nearly a 50% reduction from 2024 levels, reflecting the government’s ongoing recalibration of temporary resident numbers.
Start-Up Visa Programme Suspended
IRCC stopped accepting new Start-Up Visa applications on 31 December 2025, with exceptions for applicants holding commitment certificates from designated organisations obtained during 2025 (who have until 30 June 2026 to apply). A new targeted entrepreneur pilot programme is expected to be announced during 2026.
Express Entry Doctor Category Coming
IRCC has announced a new Express Entry draw category specifically for international doctors with Canadian work experience. Applications open in early 2026, with successful candidates receiving permanent residence processing within 14 days. The government will also reserve 5,000 federal admission spaces for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers.
Australia
Student Visa Cap Increases to 295,000
Australia’s international student planning level for 2026 rises to 295,000 places, up from 270,000 in 2025, offering some relief after two years of intake restrictions. Students who completed Australian schooling or entered through TAFE and pathway providers into public universities will be exempt from the National Planning Level cap. The government maintains strict genuine student requirements, and applicants must demonstrate clear temporary entry intentions and adequate financial support.
Evidence Level Raised for Four Countries
In an out-of-cycle decision announced 9 January 2026, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs raised the evidence level for student visa applications from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan from Level 2 to Level 3 (the strictest integrity setting). Applicants from these countries must now provide substantially more documentation, including bank statements covering at least three months, detailed source-of-funds evidence, and authenticated academic transcripts. Processing times are expected to lengthen significantly as case officers conduct manual verification and may contact issuing institutions directly.
Post-Study Work Rights Being Tightened
From mid-2026, the two-year COVID-era extension on post-study work rights will be scrapped. Standard stay periods will depend on qualification level and, crucially, whether a graduate’s field aligns with occupations on national or state shortage lists. The age limit for Temporary Graduate visas has been reduced from 50 to 35 years. Regional study incentives remain, offering extended post-study periods for graduates living and working outside metropolitan areas.
Skills in Demand Visa Replaces TSS
The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa has replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, featuring three streams: Specialist Skills (for high-income professionals), Core Skills (for mid-level occupations), and Essential Skills (for lower-paid but critical roles under labour agreements). The work experience requirement has been reduced from two years to one year. Australia’s permanent migration programme remains at 185,000 places for 2025-26, with approximately 71% allocated to skilled migrants.
New Zealand
New Skilled Migrant Pathways Coming August 2026
Immigration New Zealand has announced two new residence pathways opening in August 2026 under the Skilled Migrant Category: the Skilled Work Experience Pathway and the Trades & Technician Pathway. These pathways are designed to better recognise practical skills and workforce contributions. Applicants will still need to meet health, character, and English language requirements for residence. Changes include increased points for New Zealand university qualifications, encouraging international students to study locally.
New Seasonal Work Visas Operating
Two new seasonal visa categories opened in December 2025: the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV, for up to 9 months annually over 3 years) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV, for up to 7 months). These visas support genuine seasonal employment with accredited employers. Notably, English language testing is not required for either seasonal visa category.
Investor Visa English Requirement Removed
Following the April 2025 overhaul of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa, which introduced Growth (NZ$5 million for 3 years) and Balanced (NZ$10 million for 5 years) categories, English language requirements have been removed from this pathway. The new Business Investor Visa launched in November 2025 enables experienced business migrants to purchase established New Zealand businesses for at least NZ$1 million.
Working Holiday Schemes 2026 Dates Confirmed
Immigration New Zealand announced the 2026 opening dates for capped Working Holiday Schemes on 15 January 2026. English language requirements remain in place for certain schemes, including those for Argentina, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, where applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved tests including IELTS.
What This Means for IELTS Candidates
January 2026 presents both challenges and opportunities for IELTS candidates. The UK’s raised English requirements mean stronger preparation is essential for work visa applicants, while Canada’s exemptions for graduate students create new pathways for academic candidates. Australia’s tightened evidence requirements for certain nationalities highlight the importance of thorough documentation, while increased student visa numbers offer more opportunities overall.
In the English testing landscape, IELTS’s stability stands in contrast to competitors undergoing significant changes. While TOEFL introduces an entirely new format and scoring system, IELTS maintains its established approach that institutions and candidates understand. The human examiner for Speaking, the consistent test format, and universal acceptance across academic and immigration pathways continue to distinguish IELTS as the trusted standard for English language assessment worldwide.
For IELTS candidates:
• UK work visa applicants should aim for 5.5 minimum in each component to meet the new B2 standard
• Graduate students targeting Canada benefit from PAL/TAL exemptions and expedited processing
• Australian applicants from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan should prepare comprehensive documentation early
• New Zealand’s upcoming August 2026 pathways reward New Zealand qualifications with additional points
• One Skill Retake remains available exclusively for computer-delivered IELTS, providing flexibility to improve single component scores
IELTS remains accepted by more than 12,500 organisations in 140 countries, providing the trusted pathway to international study, work, and migration.
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