Rules, comparisons and data

Do you need to send your original IELTS TRF to universities or immigration?

No. IDP advises keeping your own Test Report Form safe and not sending it to agencies or institutions. Organisations receive their own copies from the test centre or verify your TRF number in the IELTS Results Service. For Canada you upload a copy, and for a UK visa you give your UKVI reference number with no documents at all.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

What IDP advises

IDP Canada says you automatically receive one TRF per test and should keep this original 'in a safe place. Do not send your copy to agencies or institutions.' At registration you can ask for copies to go to up to 5 organisations, and later requests carry a fee (IDP Canada).

With an eTRF, IDP says you can send results to as many organisations as you wish at no extra fee, and most organisations ask for your TRF number (IDP).

What each type of organisation needs

The table sums up how your result reaches each user.

RecipientWhat you provideSource
Universities and employersCopies sent by the test centre or eTRF, then verified by TRF numberIDP, ielts.org
IRCC (Canada)Results and form number in your profile, plus an uploaded copy; no hard copy since 1 January 2023canada.ca, IDP Canada
UKVIYour SELT reference (UKVI number); no documentsgov.uk

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Why a copy from you is not enough on its own

Organisations confirm results through the IELTS Results Service, using the TRF number or e-delivery, and ielts.org recommends they check every result that way. A scan you email can support an application, but the verification is what they rely on.

For Canada, enter your results as described in how to send IELTS to IRCC. For the UK, see how UKVI checks IELTS and UKVI's SELT guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I post my original IELTS TRF to a university?+

IDP advises against it. Keep your copy and have the test centre send copies, or share your TRF number for verification.

Will IRCC accept a scanned copy of my TRF?+

IDP Canada says IRCC has not required a hard copy since 1 January 2023, so you upload a copy to your profile.

Do I attach my IELTS for UKVI result to a UK visa application?+

No. gov.uk says you give your SELT reference number and do not need to submit documents.

How many free TRF copies can I send?+

IDP Canada says up to 5 organisations at registration; later requests carry a fee. eTRF sending has no extra fee, according to IDP.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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