A student already in Canada on a study permit asked whether they need a fresh IELTS for admission to a second program, since their original score expired. The thread surfaced two useful, partly conflicting data points:
- Same college: often waived. The most practical answer: if you pursue the second program at the same college, the language requirement is often waived because they already admitted you on a valid score. If applying to a different college, that college will typically require valid proof — call or email their admissions office to confirm, since this is institution-specific.
- Studying in Canada doesn't automatically exempt you. Another member argued by analogy: even applicants with 3–4 years in Canada must take IELTS for PR under Canadian Experience Class, so don't assume a year of Canadian study removes language requirements. Expect to need valid proficiency for a new institution.
- Beware forum folklore. Members themselves cautioned that much of the 'no IELTS needed if you're already in Canada' talk in discussion groups is personal opinion without professional backing. When someone claimed an exemption exists, others asked for a source and none was provided.
Bottom line: the reliable move is to ask the target college's admissions office directly, and be prepared to retake the test if changing institutions.