IELTS General Training for UKVI: Guide, Fees, and Test Centers

What is IELTS General Training for UKVI?

IELTS General Training for UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK Home Office for general work visa applications to the UK. However, you should always verify with your employer or the relevant organisation to ensure you select the correct test type for your specific requirements.

Who needs to take this test?

This test is designed for individuals applying for a general work visa in the UK where everyday English language proficiency is required for daily life.

What is the difference between IELTS General Training and IELTS General Training for UKVI?

While the test content (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) is identical for both versions, it is crucial to understand the two main differences: Visa Purpose and Registration Fee.

IELTS General Training for UKVI (9,100 THB): This version is mandatory if you intend to apply for a work or migration visa specifically for the United Kingdom. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) conducted under strict security protocols regulated by the UK Home Office. If your goal is the UK, you must ensure you book the 'for UKVI' variant to meet Home Office requirements.
Standard IELTS General Training (8,210 THB): This test is intended for work or migration applications to other English-speaking countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. A prime example is the Thailand-Australia Work and Holiday (W&H) programme, which allows young people to work and travel in Australia for one year. This programme accepts the standard IELTS General Training score for visa eligibility.

3 Essential Tips to Ace IELTS General Training for UKVI

1. Understand your strengths and weaknesses before starting your preparation. With over 30 years of experience as an IELTS test centre, we have encountered a wide range of candidates. We have found that everyone has different aptitudes; some may excel at listening and speaking, while others are stronger in reading and writing. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses allows you to shorten your preparation time and focus on specific daily goals. IDP offers a free English proficiency diagnostic tool, which serves as an excellent starting point to identify which skills require further development.

2. Master the test format in detail. Once you understand your skill level, familiarising yourself with the test structure, marking criteria, and question types will ensure you are fully prepared and confident on test day. For the Reading section, practising various question types, such as Sentence Completion or True/False/Not Given, which will significantly boost your confidence. IDP provides a variety of free practice samples for IELTS General Training for UKVI. Additionally, we provide comprehensive E-books explaining each part of the test to everyone who registers for IELTS with IDP, sent directly via your booking confirmation email.

3. Choose a standardised and convenient test centre to reduce test-day anxiety. Many candidates overlook the importance of the test venue, assuming they are all the same. In reality, choosing a centre with a comfortable, stress-free atmosphere and visiting the location beforehand can significantly reduce anxiety and help you focus. If you are looking for a convenient IELTS test centre, you can check available locations and dates here.

Find an IELTS for UKVI Test Centre in Thailand

An important point for UKVI candidates is that only specific test centres are authorised to deliver IELTS for UKVI. This is due to the enhanced security and invigilation protocols required by the UK Home Office.

If you need assistance or expert advice on booking your IELTS UKVI test, IDP offers a free booking service. You can contact our staff via:

TEL: 02 091 2878
LINE: @ieltsthailand

IDP has IELTS UKVI test centres covering all regions of Thailand, including Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. We support both computer-delivered and paper-based formats. You can check the latest test sessions here: [Internal Link: https://ielts.idp.com/thailand/test-dates]

Computer-Delivered IELTS Test Centres

If you choose the computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI, your results will be available within 1-5 days after your test date.

IDP IELTS Silom (Bangkok)
IDP IELTS Chiang Mai– I-Genius Language Institute
IDP IELTS Phuket– Phuket PALS

Learn More

IELTS Listening

IELTS General Training Reading

IELTS General Training Writing

IELTS Speaking

IELTS on paper

IELTS on computer

What is the difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?

IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are exactly the same test in terms of format, content, scoring and level of difficulty. The only difference is an IELTS for UKVI test is approved by the UK Home Office for work, study and migration purposes.
If you take an IELTS for UKVI test, your test report form will be a little different to show that you have taken an IELTS for UKVI test at an approved IELTS test centre.

What is the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training?

If you plan to migrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, taking an IELTS General Training test makes sense. Or if you are planning on studying in secondary education, or enrolling in vocational training, this might still be the right choice.

But if you plan to study in higher education or want professional registration in an English-speaking country, you might need to take an IELTS Academic test.

What order will I complete the IELTS test in?

For both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS, you will do the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after this test session. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test can be done on the same day, or a day after your sitting test depending on the number of candidates for each venue.

What is the cost of the IELTS for UKVI General Training test?

The cost of the IELTS for UKVI General Training test is approx $270 USD. Check the IELTS booking system for accurate prices.