Gaining experience in a new country is an exciting prospect for students and professionals across the world! Countries like the USA are packed with opportunities to learn and explore while getting a degree or adding international work experience to your resume.
If the USA is part of your study or career plans, an IELTS test will be part of your application requirements. IELTS is the most widely recognised test of its kind in the world, trusted by more than 12500 organisations including immigration authorities who provide visas.
Find out how to apply for a visa and open doors in the USA.
Understand the Student visa
Application requirements
If you’re planning to study in the USA, start by confirming that the institution you want to apply to accepts international students. There are world renowned universities across the country that welcome exchange students and students who have immigrated to study abroad.
A list of documents will need to be submitted to apply for your student visa, including your IELTS test results and evidence that you can afford to study abroad and return home after you graduate.
For most undergraduate programmes in the USA, an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher is required. For postgraduate programmes, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. USA’s top universities including Harvard, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the California Institute of Technology require an IELTS score of 7.0.
Using your student visa
Make sure you understand the conditions of your visa as these may differ from the visas of other international students. The F-1 visa is for full-time students enrolled in academic courses, while the J-1 visa is for exchange students participating in programs that promote cultural exchange. The M-1 visa is for students who want to enrol in vocational or non-academic programs.
If you have an F-1 visa, you can gain work experience on campus or off-campus if the work is related to your field of studies. You can also legally work in the USA for up to one year after you graduate, using your F-1 student visa. Be sure to add your IELTS band score to your student-resume for a competitive edge as you look for global career experience while you study.
Understand the USA work visa
Application requirements
A number of sectors are thriving in the USA, making it an attractive option for international skilled professionals. You will need to be sponsored by an American organisation or employer to apply for a work visa. You should also be aware of the different visa categories available and comply with the relevant conditions.
The H-1B visa is for occupations that require a higher degree or equivalent qualification. The L-1 visa is for transferring to the USA based office of a company you already work for in your home country. The O-1 visa is for individuals at the top of their field who have earned global recognition for their work. The H-2A and H-2B visas are for temporary or seasonal work. Make sure you understand exactly which visa you need before you apply.
Check with the institution you have applied to work at what their minimum IELTS band score requirement is.
Using your work visa
With a high demand for skilled professionals in many industries, ranging from healthcare and education to technology and business, the USA is among the top countries in the world to gain career experience.
Once you have your visa, your career adventure in the USA can begin! The amount of time you can stay and work in the country will depend on the type of visa you have and the length of your employment contract. You can also apply to extend your work visa before it expires.
Book your IELTS test today and achieve your goals in the USA. No one prepares you for the future like we do!