Non-Resident Policy

Important Information for Non-Resident IELTS Test Takers in Cyprus

Effective 1st May 2025, a new IELTS booking policy applies to Paper-Based IELTS tests in Cyprus. Under this policy, non-resident candidates must meet specific residency requirements in order to sit for the IELTS on Paper.

This policy does not apply to IELTS on Computer, which remains open to all candidates, including non-residents.

📝 Residency Requirements for IELTS on Paper in Cyprus

If you are not a resident of Cyprus and wish to take IELTS on Paper, you must submit valid proof of residency showing a stay of at least 3 consecutive months. This must be emailed (info@ieltsycyprus.org) to our test centre at least 3 days before your test date.

✅ Accepted Proof of Residency Documents:

Student Visa – Must clearly state the purpose, duration, and expiry date, stamped in the passport.
Special Study Permit (SSP) – Acceptable in lieu of a student visa.
Work Permit, which includes:
- A valid Employment Visa (stating status and expiry) stamped in the passport, and
- A Work Permit document with expiry date.
Residence Permit – Includes Long-Term Stay Visa or Dependent Visa, showing expiry date.

❌ Not Accepted:

Tourist Visas
Short-Term Business Visas
Documents valid for less than three months

🌍 Exemptions – Who Does NOT Need to Provide Proof of Residency?

You do not need to submit proof of residency if:

You are taking IELTS on Computer
You hold a passport or ID from:
- Cyprus
- Greece
- Turkey / North Cyprus
You are a passport holder of a country where IELTS is not offered
You hold refugee status (with documentation)
You are testing in Cyprus and hold a passport from a European Single Market country (EU, EEA, Switzerland)

🧾 Test Day Requirements for IELTS on Paper

If you are approved as a non-resident test taker:

You must present the same residency document on the test day that you submitted during registration.
If you fail to present valid documentation, you may be denied entry to the test.

❗ What Happens If You Cannot Provide Residency Proof?

You will be contacted by our team and must provide proof of residency within 72 hours.
If you fail to provide acceptable documentation, your booking will be cancelled and a full refund will be issued.
You will be advised to rebook an IELTS on Computer test, which does not require residency proof.