IELTS UKVI: Moving to the UK

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. But, if you have the right information upfront, the transition can be a lot smoother. The UK’s thriving economy, sophisticated education and healthcare systems, and rich cultural diversity make it the first choice for many people wanting to move abroad.  

A UK Visa and Immigration change has come into effect in December 2019. If you are thinking about moving, working or studying in the UK, read on to find out how IELTS, an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) by the UK Home Office, can get you there, and what life is like in the UK.

IELTS UKVI stands for International English Language Testing System for UK Visa and Immigration. Unlike the standard IELTS, this test is tailored to align with the UK Home Office's specific requirements, making it a mandatory certification for individuals in the Philippines planning to work, study, or settle in the UK.

You might be asking, what is the difference between an IELTS test and an IELTS for UKVI test? The IELTS for UKVI tests are taken at a UKVI approved test centre and must meet the administrative requirements outlined by the UK Home Office. To show that the test was taken in a UKVI approved test centre, the Test Report Form (TRF) will look slightly different. Nevertheless, the test format of IELTS for UKVI is the same as the other IELTS tests: content, format, scoring and level of difficulty.

For those in the Philippines deciding between IELTS and IELTS UKVI, the choice largely depends on your purpose. You must take an IELTS for UKVI test to apply for any visas in the UK. Your IELTS General Training for UKVI or IELTS Academic for UKVI scores can be used to apply for study, work or migration visas across the globe. You, however, cannot use IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic scores to apply for a UK Visa.

IELTS for UKVI is an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for visa applications to the UK. You need a valid English Language test for UK Visa score to study, work or migrate to the UK. If you wish to get a UK Spouse Visa, you will need a valid IELTS for UKVI score.

Academic, General and Life Skills are the three IELTS for UKVI test types currently available. 

So, which IELTS for UKVI test is best for me? IELTS for UKVI has a number of test options available.  Depending on the visa you require you may take any of the following tests:  

• IELTS Academic for UKVI   

• IELTS General Training for UKVI   

• IELTS Life Skills A1  

• IELTS Life Skills A2

• IELTS Life Skills B1   

And remember to double-check as to which IELTS test applies to you. The UK Government visa checklist helps find out whether you need to take an approved English language test, what band score you need to achieve and which IELTS test you need to take.  

The IELTS UKVI comprises four components:

• Listening: This 30-minute segment, divided into four sections, evaluates one's ability to grasp main ideas, understand details, and discern the speakers' attitudes and purposes.

• Reading: This component introduces three long texts sourced from current publications, reflecting the kind of linguistic challenges one might face in the UK. 

• Writing: This segment requires test-takers to complete two distinct tasks, emphasizing their capacity to produce clear, accurate, and structured written content.

• Speaking: Lasting between 11 to 15 minutes, this portion delves into verbal proficiency. It begins with general questions about everyday topics and progresses to a detailed discussion on a given subject.

Scoring for the IELTS UKVI is consistent with the standard IELTS, ranging from Band 1 (non-user) to Band 9 (expert user). The score you'll need depends on your visa type and the institution or organization's specific criteria in the UK.

For IELTS preparation materials, join an IELTS Masterclass, complete IELTS Progress Check to see how you are tracking or check out the IELTS practice materials. For those in the Philippines, you can access UKVI IELTS sample tests to gain valuable insights into the types of questions to expect.

Prior to the IELTS UKVI exam, ensure you have all prerequisite documents unique to the Philippines and are aware of any special eligibility criteria. Being well-informed about the application process can help prevent potential procedural challenges.

Although Filipinos generally possess a solid foundation in English, being alert to unfamiliar idioms or expressions is essential. Regularly exposing oneself to diverse English contexts and practicing with sample tests can bridge gaps in understanding. It's not just about mastering the language but also comprehending its varied global nuances. This targeted approach can significantly boost your IELTS UKVI performance.

Here’s what you need to do to register for the IELTS UKVI test in the Philippines: 

• Understanding the requirements: First, determine which IELTS UKVI test suits your needs: Academic or General Training. This choice depends on your visa requirements.

• Choosing a test centre: Opt for a centre that aligns with your preferences regarding location, available test dates, and slot availability. Always refer to the official IELTS website to ensure you're accessing the most updated information.

• Registration process: Gather essential documents like ID and passport details beforehand. Filipino applicants should be aware of any country-specific instructions to ensure a seamless registration experience.

• Payment procedures: Various payment methods are available, catering to the convenience of IELTS UKVI test-takers in the Philippines. You can refer to this step-by-step guide for your IELTS test registration.

• Confirmation and pre-test protocols: Post-registration, you'll receive a confirmation detailing the test venue, timing, and other vital information. Familiarize yourself with any pre-test protocols to avoid last-minute surprises.

For a smoother application process, consider consulting with IDP IELTS customer-service officer. Our team’s expertise can provide insights, helping you navigate the entire process with greater confidence. Learn more about the registration procedure for the IELTS test.

The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, from Oxford to Cambridge and those that glide under the radar, such as the University of Edinburgh. If you are looking to study in the UK, you’ll be happy to hear that most British universities and colleges accept IELTS Academic for UKVI results. Check out our Who accepts IELTS scores for more information on the IELTS score you need to be able to study at particular institutions. The UK Government visa checklist is also useful to see if IELTS for UKVI is the test for you.

If work or study is outside the reasons why you might move to the UK, and you want to take the family route as a spouse, partner or parent, you might need to provide evidence of your English skills. And in this case, IELTS Life Skills might be the route you take. But to be safe, check the UK Government visa checklist.

Keen to work in the UK and uncover what it’s like to live like a local? The UK home office has a set list of occupations in shortage. So, if you are an engineer or scientist and are looking to move to the UK, you might be in luck. Other occupations that are currently on this list, include:  

• Geologist 

• Hydrogeologist 

• Biological scientist  

• Biochemist  

• Civil Engineer  

• Systems designer  

• Nurse 

If you wish to practice in the UK, the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) accepts IELTS Academic for UKVI test scores. And to be able to work in the UK, you can now use a single English language test for your UK visa application. Check the GMC website and the NMC website for the most up to date information on their English language requirements. For more information on UK Visa requirements, visit the UK immigration website.

The IELTS score you need will vary depending on the occupation in question. Check the UK Government visa checklist to see which visa and IELTS for UKVI test apply to you.

We’ve had a look at the types of IELTS for UKVI tests that can get you to the UK. Let’s take a closer look at what day-to-day life might look like.

The UK is the sixth-largest economy in the world, with London as the central economic hub. Leading on from its multicultural nature, good food is easy to find no matter what corner of the UK you are in. If you are after some good British cuisine, fish and chips on the rocky shores of Brighton is a must-do.  

The UK’s connected nature makes travel across –the country and abroad easy. Stunning castles, historic houses, quaint pubs and thriving music, arts and theatre scenes mean you will never be left bored. The visit Great Britain website offers endless inspirations for sightseeing in the UK.

On a more serious note, the UK has a solid healthcare system  called  the National Health Service (NHS).  International students, for example, can easily access to the NHS once they pay for the International Health Surcharge (IHS).  You can use the government’s immigration health surcharge calculator to work out if the surcharge applies to you and how much you might need to pay.

IELTS for UKVI is an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for visa applications to the UK. You need a valid English Language test for UK Visa score to study, work or migrate to the UK. If you wish to get a UK Spouse Visa, you will need a valid IELTS for UKVI score.

You must take an IELTS for UKVI test to apply for any visas in the UK. Your IELTS General Training for UKVI or IELTS Academic for UKVI scores can be used to apply for study, work or migration visas across the globe. You, however, cannot use IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic scores to apply for a UK Visa.

You might be asking, what is the difference between an IELTS test and an IELTS for UKVI test? The IELTS for UKVI tests are taken at a UKVI approved test centre and must meet the administrative requirements outlined by the UK Home Office. To show that the test was taken in a UKVI approved test centre, the Test Report Form (TRF) will look slightly different. Nevertheless, the test format of IELTS for UKVI is the same as the other IELTS tests: content, format, scoring and level of difficulty.

Legislation about immigration in the UK changes frequently. It’s important to check the UK Visa and Immigration website for changes that may apply to you. If you are interested in UK student visas, work visas, or looking for  indefinite leave to remain, you need to lodge an application with the UK Visa and Immigration Department. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or migration agent. You may also be able to get free advice for student visas .