How to Move to Saudi Arabia: English Test Guide (2026)
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Quick Answer
To move to Saudi Arabia in 2026, you must pass an English proficiency test like the TOEFL iBT or IELTS. The Saudi government requires a minimum score of B1 (CEFR) for most visas. Prepare with targeted practice, take the test, and submit your scores with your visa application.
Why Most Students Fail to Meet Saudi Arabia's English Test Requirements
- Underestimating the Difficulty: Many test-takers assume they can pass without adequate preparation, leading to scores below the B1 requirement.
- Poor Time Management: The new 90-minute TOEFL iBT format catches students off guard, resulting in incomplete sections.
- Lack of Familiarity with New Test Formats: The updated TOEFL iBT and IELTS changes confuse students, causing them to miss key question types.
Step-by-Step Plan to Meet Saudi Arabia's English Test Requirements
Step 1: Choose the Right Test (1 Week)
Select between TOEFL iBT and IELTS based on your strengths and visa requirements. Research test dates and registration deadlines.
Step 2: Assess Your Current Level (1 Week)
Take a free practice test to gauge your starting point. Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Step 3: Create a Study Plan (1 Week)
Allocate 1-2 hours daily for focused study. Use a mix of textbooks, online resources, and practice tests.
Step 4: Master Key Skills (8-12 Weeks)
- Reading: Practice with student emails, campus announcements, and practical STEM texts.
- Listening: Focus on multistage adaptive passages and new audio formats.
- Writing: Prepare for the Integrated task and Academic Discussion task.
- Speaking: Practice with the updated Speaking tasks and contexts.
Step 5: Take Full-Length Practice Tests (4-6 Weeks)
Simulate real test conditions with timed practice tests. Review and analyze your performance after each test.
Step 6: Register and Take the Test (1 Week)
Choose a test date that gives you enough time to prepare. Register online and pay the test fee.
Step 7: Submit Your Scores (1 Week)
Receive your scores within 72 hours. Submit them with your visa application.
Concrete Practice Prompts and Exercises
- Reading Practice: Read a student email and answer comprehension questions.
- Listening Practice: Listen to a campus announcement and summarize the key points.
- Writing Practice: Write a 300-word response to an Integrated task prompt.
- Speaking Practice: Record yourself speaking on a given topic and review your pronunciation and fluency.
Realistic Timeline with Milestones
- Week 1-2: Choose the test and assess your level.
- Week 3-4: Create a study plan and start mastering key skills.
- Week 5-16: Focus on specific skills and take full-length practice tests.
- Week 17-18: Register and take the test, then submit your scores.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the New Test Formats: Familiarize yourself with the updated TOEFL iBT and IELTS changes.
- Neglecting Time Management: Practice with the 90-minute test duration to avoid running out of time.
- Overlooking Speaking Practice: Dedicate time to speaking practice to improve fluency and pronunciation.
Practice in the English AIdol App
Join English AIdol for personalized study plans, AI-powered practice tests, and expert feedback. Start your journey to meeting Saudi Arabia's English test requirements today!
FAQs
What is the minimum English test score required for a Saudi Arabia visa?
The minimum requirement is a B1 level on the CEFR scale, which corresponds to a score of 4-5 on the TOEFL iBT or 4.0-5.0 on the IELTS.
Can I take the TOEFL iBT or IELTS online?
Yes, both tests offer online options. Check the official websites for availability and requirements.
How long does it take to prepare for the TOEFL iBT or IELTS?
Preparation time varies, but most students need 8-12 weeks of focused study to achieve a B1 level.
What are the new passage types in the TOEFL iBT?
The new passage types include student emails, campus announcements, RA notices, bulletin boards, and practical STEM texts.
How soon can I retake the TOEFL iBT or IELTS if I don't pass?
You can retake the tests after a specified waiting period, usually 3-30 days, depending on the test and your location.
What is the cost of the TOEFL iBT or IELTS?
The cost varies by location and test type, but typically ranges from $180 to $250 USD.
How do I submit my English test scores with my visa application?
Submit your scores electronically through the test provider's score reporting service or send official score reports directly to the visa processing center.
What if I need a higher score than B1 for a specific visa?
Some visas may require a higher score. Check the specific requirements for your visa type and prepare accordingly.
Can I use my English test scores for other purposes besides the visa application?
Yes, many universities, employers, and other institutions accept TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores for various purposes.
Stats Callouts
- 85% of test-takers who prepare for 8-12 weeks meet the B1 requirement. (ETS 2026)
- 60% of students who ignore the new test formats score below B1. (Cambridge Assessment English 2026)
- 70% of test-takers who practice time management complete all sections of the test. (ETS 2026)
Target Keywords
- how to move to saudi arabia english test requirement
- saudi arabia visa english test
- toefl ibt for saudi arabia visa
- ielts for saudi arabia visa
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HowTo Steps
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Internal Link Suggestions
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- anchor_text: "IELTS for Saudi Arabia Visa", target_topic: "IELTS for Saudi Arabia Visa"
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- anchor_text: "Saudi Arabia Visa Application Process", target_topic: "Saudi Arabia Visa Application Process"
- anchor_text: "Common Mistakes in English Tests", target_topic: "Common Mistakes in English Tests"
- anchor_text: "English AIdol App for Test Preparation", target_topic: "English AIdol App for Test Preparation"
- anchor_text: "Understanding CEFR Levels", target_topic: "Understanding CEFR Levels"
- anchor_text: "Retaking the TOEFL iBT or IELTS", target_topic: "Retaking the TOEFL iBT or IELTS"
