IELTS is the most extensively used test for individuals who desire to move to Australia , Canada , New Zealand , or the United Kingdom . It is recognised by over 11 , 000 employers , universities , institutions , and immigration authorities worldwide , with 3 , 400 in the United States . It is owned jointly by the British Council , IDP : IELTS Australia , and Cambridge Assessment English . If you wish to work , live , or study in an English – speaking country , you must demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency .
