IELTS General Training for UKVI

If you want to work, migrate, study, or attend vocational training in the UK, you may need to take the IELTS test for UKVI. This is the Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK home department for visa applications to the UK.

IELTS General Training for UKVI has the same content, format, assessment and level of difficulty as the IELTS General Training test. However, the IELTS test for UKVI is only available at test centres that meet the administrative requirements set out by the UK Home Office. Your Test Report Form (TRF) will also be slightly different if you are taking the IELTS test for UKVI.

The IELTS UKVI General Training Test is designed for you if you're planning to migrate to the UK for work, training, secondary education, or to settle. It evaluates your ability to communicate in English through everyday contexts, with four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. This version adheres to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) standards, preparing you for real-life English use.

Speaking test

In the Speaking test, you will engage in a one-on-one interview with an examiner, lasting 11-14 minutes and divided into three parts: an introduction, a monologue on a given topic, and a discussion. This section tests your fluency, pronunciation, and ability to organise your thoughts in English, emphasising effective communication skills.

Listening test

During the Listening test, you will have to listen to four recordings of native English speakers and answer questions based on them. This 30-minute test assesses your ability to understand main ideas, detailed factual information, and opinions, underscoring the importance of listening comprehension in everyday scenarios.

Reading test

This section involves reading extracts from books, magazines, and newspapers. It’s designed to reflect daily English usage. Test-takers have 60 minutes to complete various question types, assessing their ability to understand texts, grasp main ideas, and infer information, all of which are crucial for navigating English-speaking contexts.

Writing test

The Writing test consists of two tasks, letter writing and essay writing, to be completed in 60 minutes. It evaluates your ability to organise ideas clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and apply grammar accurately. This section tests will test your writing skills in real-life scenarios, from formal letters to opinion essays.