The minimum IELTS score to get USA PR and work there  

Many people dream of living and working in the United States. After all, it is a melting pot of cultures and vibrant cities with exciting travel opportunities within the country.
Apart from cultural landmarks, there are also work opportunities available across various industries.

As of 2019, 28.4 million foreigners made up the USA labour force, comprising 17.4% of the total.

If getting a USA Green Card has been on your mind, it is important to first possess adequate English language skills so as to live comfortably and work effectively in the States.

Although there currently isn’t any minimum English language requirement in the USA, it is still important to prove your English proficiency in your PR application if you’re planning to study there.

Graduating from an American university could play a part in your end goal of attaining USA PR and landing a job there, so it might be worth furthering your studies there too.

To study in the USA

When you apply for a student visa, you’ll be required to provide proof of your acceptance to your university, which will require IELTS scores.

Depending on the institution you’re applying to, there would be different requirements for IELTS scores.

For example, New York University (NYU) requires a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 for both undergrads and postgrads while the University of Texas at Austin requires a minimum score of 6.5 for both undergrads and postgrads.

To get a better idea of what’s required, take a closer look at this list of IELTS score requirements across American universities.

To work in the USA

If you have the intention to work in the USA, there isn’t a minimum English requirement.

However, you’ll be required to get a specific visa based on the kind of work you plan to do.
If you’re planning to apply for a Green Card as an immigrant worker, you have to fulfil the following criteria.

As a first preference immigrant worker, you must have exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, education, business or athletics or be an outstanding professor or researcher. Apart from that, multinational managers or executives may apply too.

As a second preference immigrant worker, you must be a member of a profession that requires an advanced degree or have exceptional ability in the arts, sciences or business. Those seeking a national interest waiver may apply too.

As a third preference immigrant worker, you must be a skilled worker that holds a job with 2 years of experience or training or be a professional with a job that requires at least a USA Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent.

If you’re an unskilled worker, meaning you’ll perform unskilled labour that requires less than 2 years of experience of training, you’ll fall under this category too.

To work as a nurse in the USA

Although there isn’t a minimum English language requirement in most scenarios, this doesn’t apply to you if you intend to pursue a career in nursing.

As an International Registered Nurse looking to take your career to the USA, you’ll be required to sit for the IELTS and have an overall score of 6.5 as well as 7 for the speaking section.

Once you’re able to prove your proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking in English, you’d then be issued your USA visa.
 
Embark on your journey to obtaining PR in the USA

Take the first step towards moving to the USA with IDP!

From an online masterclass to paper-based IELTS preparation materials, we’ve got you covered with the tools you need – so that you can be sufficiently prepared and do well for your test.

Apart from that, we have a team of experienced education counsellors that can address any concerns or questions you may have about the IELTS test.