Are you planning to live and work in the UK? Known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, top universities in the world and an international business environment, the UK attracts people from all over the world to relocate there and build rewarding lives.
In order to qualify for UK PR and work visas, you’ll have to prove your proficiency in English by taking a specific type of IELTS test known as the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration).
The IELTS for UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK Home Office for visa applications to the UK.
The format of the test is the same as the regular IELTS test. However, the Test Report Form will be slightly different and the test follows extra security protocols to ensure the test taker’s authenticity.
Read on to learn more about the UK’s IELTS requirements.
IELTS test formats and types for the UK
There are various IELTS test formats that you need to be aware of when applying to work and obtain PR in the UK.
IELTS for UKVI Academic is the test you’ll need to sit if you are looking to obtain a student visa in your undergraduate or postgraduate journey.
IELTS for UKVI General Training is the test required for migration purposes
IELTS Life Skills (A1/A2/B1) is a test of your speaking and listening abilities as part of the UKVI application in certain visa categories.
Minimum IELTS score requirements
1. IELTS scores for Skilled Worker visa (general work visa)
The Skilled Worker visa allows you to stay and work in the UK with an approved employer. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
In order to qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, you will need to prove your English language proficiency.
You will have to obtain a level B1 on the CEFR scale. The CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, an international standard for describing language ability.
This is equivalent to an IELTS overall score of 4.0. This includes a minimum of 4.0 score in each of the four skills.
2. IELTS scores for Health and Care Worker visa
The Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to work and stay in the UK. They will have to work with the NHS (National Health Service), an NHS supplier or in adult social care.
The NHS is the public healthcare system in the United Kingdom.
The visa will allow the holder to stay for up to 5 years before any extension is necessary. In fact, after 5 years, you will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain, or PR in the UK.
In order to qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, you will have to obtain a level B1 on the CEFR scale.
This is equivalent to an IELTS overall score of 4.0. This includes a minimum of 4.0 score in each of the four skills.
3. IELTS scores for Graduate visa
The Graduate visa gives you permission to work and stay in the UK for up to 2 years after you successfully complete your degree.
To qualify for the Graduate visa, you’ll need to be currently residing in the UK, and have completed your course of study under an existing Student visa. You may have already submitted your proof of English knowledge with a minimum IELTS score during your visa application when initially pursuing higher education in the UK. You can learn more in this article here.
For example, for most bachelor's degrees, you will have to obtain an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in all skills.
4. IELTS scores for Innovator visa
The Innovator Founder visa is perfect if you are looking to set up and run an innovative business in the UK, which must be endorsed by an approved body.
With the visa, you’ll be able to stay for 3 years. After 3 years, you will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain, or PR in the UK.
To qualify, you’ll need to prove your knowledge of the English language at a higher level. You will have to obtain a level B2 on the CEFR scale.
This is equivalent to an IELTS overall score of 5.5. This includes a minimum of 5.5 score in each of the four skills.
5. Getting PR
In order to successfully migrate to the UK, there are two routes you can take.
The first is applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), or PR.
You will need to obtain a passing grade in the IELTS Life Skills B1 test.
The second option is applying for a ‘family of a settled person’ or family visa.
You will need to obtain a passing grade in the IELTS Life Skills A1 test.
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