IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not intended to provide advice on migrating to the UK and all immigration programs should be checked on the UK Visas and Immigration website or with your migration consultant or lawyer. 

Thinking about building a future in the UK? The UK offers a welcoming environment, excellent career prospects and a rich cultural experience for those ready to make the move. But to take that next step, proving your English language ability is essential. Recognised by the UK government, employers and education institutions, the IELTS test is a reliable way to show you have the language skills needed to succeed in the UK. 

IELTS for UK visas 

UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) accepts IELTS for UKVI tests as evidence of English skills for people who wish to live, work or study in the UK.  Trusted by more than 12,500 organisations around the world, IELTS is known for its quality and fairness. The test assesses English language ability based on four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.  IELTS is carefully researched and designed by international language testing experts to make sure it is reliable and accurate. 

Which IELTS for UKVI test do I need? 

It is important to note that although the test formats are the same, the IELTS and IELTS for UKVI tests are different types of tests -- the IELTS for UKVI test is meant for UK visa applications and must be taken at a UKVI-approved test centre. The following IELTS tests are accepted by the UK government for visas: IELTS for UKVI Academic  This test might be suitable for you if you: 

•  want to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level in the UK. 

•  want to register with a professional body in the UK. 

 IELTS for UKVI General Training  This test might be suitable for you if you: 

• want to move to the UK under specific visa categories. 

• want to train or study below degree level. 

IELTS for UKVI Life Skills IELTS for UKVI Life Skills has a different format than the other tests as it is specifically designed for people who must prove their speaking and listening ability as part of their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) application. This test might be suitable for you if you: 

• intend to take the family route to the UK as a spouse/partner/parent.  

• are already living in the UK and want to make it your permanent home. 

• want to become a British citizen. 

• need to prove your English listening and speaking skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Levels A1, A2 or B1. 

There are three IELTS for UKVI Life Skill tests available:  

• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 

• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 

• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B2 

Where can I take the IELTS for UKVI test?

IELTS for UK visa purposes must be taken in person at an official UKVI-approved test centre.  You’ll take your IELTS for UKVI Speaking test with a real human examiner in a quiet room, free from noise and distraction Find your closest IELTS for UKVI test centre. 

What is the difference between an IELTS test and an IELTS for UKVI test? 

IELTS for UKVI Academic and IELTS for UKVI General Training tests are designed to meet specific administrative requirements set by the UK Home Office. While the test itself (its content, format, level of difficulty, scoring, and examiners) is the same as the standard IELTS test, there are a few key differences in your test day experience. The main difference is in how your test is processed. You'll take the test in a secure UKVI-approved session, and your Test Report Form will clearly show that you completed an IELTS test for UK visa purposes. 

IELTS tests for UK visas and immigration 

The IELTS for UKVI and IELTS for UKVI Life Skills tests are included on the UK Home Office’s list of Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for UK visa options and are available to take in the UK or internationally. We recommend you check all visa requirement information directly with the UK government website. 

What score do I need for UKVI visa applications? 

The English language score needed for a UKVI visa is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and it depends on the type of visa you’re applying for.  

• For visas that require CEFR level B1, you need to get at least an IELTS score of 4.0 in all four sections of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). 

• For visas that require CEFR level B2 you need to get at least an IELTS score of 5.5 in all four sections of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). 

• For visas that require CEFR level C1 you need to get at least an IELTS score of 7.0 in all four sections of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). 

 To find out whether you need to take an approved English test, what level you need to achieve, and which test you can use, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For more information, please visit here. 

IELTS for a student visa

If you're applying for a Student Visa to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level at a university that is a licensed student sponsor, you’ll need to meet the English language requirements set by that institution.  

IELTS results are accepted by all universities and colleges across the UK. 

Preparing for the IELTS for UKVI Academic test will also help you build valuable academic skills like critical thinking, discussing issues and analysing data to help you thrive at university in the UK.  

Be sure to check with the institution you're applying to for their specific English language requirements. At IDP IELTS, we offer a wide variety of free preparation materials to help you achieve your desired score.  Visit our IELTS Prepare Hub. 

We’re here to help you feel ready, equipped and confident as you take your next steps toward the UK. 

Find your closest IELTS test centre.