IELTS for UKVI

IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration

IELTS for UKVI tests are accepted by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English if you want to live, work, or study in the UK.

The following tests are used by the UKVI:

• IELTS for UKVI

• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1

• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2

• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1

The UKVI will only accept tests taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre, as UKVI requires an additional layer of security when taking language tests.

What score do I need for UKVI visa applications?

The score you will need for UKVI applications, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend on the visa you are applying for. (Visit GOV.UK for further guidance on proving your English language abilities ).

• For visas that require CEFR level A1, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 test (Listening and Speaking).

• For visas that require CEFR level A2, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 test (Listening and Speaking).

• For visas that require CEFR level B1, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 test (Listening and Speaking).

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

The UK government requires you to achieve the scores above in every component of your test. Understand your IELTS score and see how IELTS helps you to prepare.

We are pleased to announce that from 8 March 2026, all UKVI IELTS tests will be delivered entirely on computer, providing a faster, more efficient and streamlined testing experience.

UKVI IELTS on computer offers the same test format, questions and scoring as IELTS on paper. UKVI IELTS on computer also provides significant benefits to test takers at no additional cost:

• Faster results: Typically receive your results in 1-2 days

• Faster booking: Book your test as late as one day before registration closes

• More test dates: More choice and flexibility for you

• One Skill Retake: Retake just one skill, not the whole test, if you need to improve your score

For information on UKVI ID requirements on test day, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt#prove-your-identity-on-the-day-of-the-test