Effective immediately, if you want to register for the IELTS paper test in a country you must be a resident of that country.  Exceptions are granted for individuals from countries where the IELTS is not offered, and those with refugee status. Per this notice from IDP India, exceptions may be granted for those in free-movement zones (for instance, residents of an EU country may be able to take the test in any EU member state).

The computer delivered IELTS is not impacted by this.  People can travel the globe to take that version of the test.

Some have speculated that this move is a response to the oft-rumored “IELTS Field Trip” wherein students from a certain country quickly pile into a test center where security of the paper-delivered test has been compromised.  If that is the case, perhaps it is time to retire the paper-delivered test altogether.

Below is a message that pops up when attempting to register for the test via the British Council.  Check the link above for additional details.

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