What is IELTS for UKVI?

UK Visa and Immigration

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test meant for anyone who wants to pursue an academic or professional career internationally. It includes IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

However, if you are planning to study, work or move to the UK, you need to give an IELTS test approved for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) purposes known as IELTS for UKVI. This applies to everyone coming from a non-English speaking country. Remember, universities, colleges and professional bodies will only accept IELTS for UKVI score. Regular IELTS will not be considered.

IELTS reappointed as a language test trusted by the UK government for visas. Read More

While there is no change in the content, format or level of difficulty and scoring, IELTS for UKVI simply follows certain extra security protocols to ensure the authenticity of the test taker. Also, your Test Report Form (TRF) may look slightly different from the regular IELTS one.

Candidates applying to the Tier 4 Student visa must meet their language requirement set by their university of college; others can use this table as a guide to assess the score needed to qualify:

Visa description	Minimum CEFR level required	Skills	IELTS test and minimum score required overall and in each skill
Tier 1 (General) visa	C1	Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 7.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa	B1	Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa	B1	Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa	B1	Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 2 (General) visa - in most cases	B1	Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa	A1	Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening	IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa	B2	Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI - 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 4 (General) student visa - below degree level and pre-sessional courses	B1	Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening	IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 4 (General) student visa - degree level and above	B2	Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening	IELTS/IELTS for UKVI3 – 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills
Family route Spouse/partner Parent of a dependant	A1	Speaking and Listening	IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening
Family route (extension) Spouse/partner Parent of a dependant	A2	Speaking and Listening	IELTS Life Skills at A2 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening
Indefinite leave to remain (to settle) or citizenship	B1	Speaking and Listening	IELTS Life Skills at B1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening

IELTS Life Skills

IELTS Life Skills is a test for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills to acquire a UK VISA, and is available at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A1 and B1. It is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes.

A1	Prove your English speaking and listening skills as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for further leave to remain.
B1	Prove your English speaking and listening skills as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.

Know more about IELTS for Life Skills.

IELTS for UKVI test locations

Tests are available throughout the country, in locations specified by UKVI.

The UKVI does not accept results from any other testing locations. It is advisable to confirm at the time of registration that you wish to use your test result for a UK visa application, and make sure you sit the test in an 'IELTS for UKVI' test session.

IELTS for UKVI test fee

Test type	Test fee*
IELTS for UKVI	INR 15,750
Life Skills	INR 14600

*IELTS fee is subject to change without prior notice

Test results

Your IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills results are available within 13 days and 7 days of your attempt respectively. You cannot see the result of IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills online. Only the Test Result Form (TRF) is sent to the postal address mentioned by you in the application/registration form.

Be better prepared for IELTS for UKVI with our sample tests

Practice tests are a great way to assess your progress. Our range of free practice tests can help you familiarise yourself with the test format and questioning pattern. See how you score under timed conditions, take feedback from your mentors and work on your areas of improvement.

Listening TestSample Listening Multiple Choice (one answer)You will hear an extract from a Part 3 recording in which a student called Judy is discussing her research with her tutor and fellow students.
For each question, click on the correct answer.
Sample Listening Multiple Choice (one answer)  Sample Listening Multiple Choice (one answer) Answer Key  Sample Listening Multiple Choice (one answer) Recording Transcript  
Sample Listening Multiple Choice (one answer)You will hear an extract from a Part 1 recording in which two people are discussing a guide to a library.
Click on the correct answers.
Sample Listening Multiple Choice (more than one answer)  Sample Listening Multiple Choice (more than one answer) Answer Key Sample Listening Multiple Choice (more than one answer) Recording Transcript 
Sample Listening MatchingYou will hear an extract from a Part 2 recording in which a woman is talking to new staff at a children’s summer camp.
For each question, click on the correct answer and move it into the gap.
Sample Listening Matching  Sample Listening Matching Answer Key Sample Listening Matching Recording Transcript 
Sample Listening Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling (Type A)You will hear an extract from Part 2 of the test in which a tour guide describes different places in a US town.
For each question, click on the correct space in the table.
Sample Listening Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling  Sample Listening Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling Answer Key Sample Listening Plan/Map/Diagram Recording Transcript
Sample Listening Note CompletionYou will hear an extract from a Part 1 recording in which two people are discussing second-hand furniture.
For each question, write your answer in the gap.
Sample Listening Note Completion  Sample Listening Note Completion Answer Key Sample Listening Note Completion Recording Transcript
Sample Listening Short Answer QuestionsYou will hear an extract from Part 2 of the test in which a representative from a clothing company is giving a talk to high school students.
For each question, write your answer in the gap.
Sample Listening Short Answer Questions Sample Listening Short Answer Questions Answer Key Sample Listening Short Answer Questions Recording Transcript
Academic ReadingSample Academic Reading Multiple Choice (one answer)You will read an extract from a Part 1 text about older people in the workforce.
Click on the correct answer.
Sample Academic Reading Multiple Choice (one answer)Sample Academic Reading Multiple Choice (one answer) Answer Key
Sample Academic Reading Multiple Choice (more than one answer)You will read an extract from a Part 1 text about older people in the workforce.
Click on the correct answers.
Sample Academic Reading Multiple Choice (more than one answer)Sample Academic Reading Multiple Choice (more than one answer) Answer Key
Sample Listening MatchingYou will hear an extract from a Part 2 recording in which a woman is talking to new staff at a children’s summer camp.
For each question, click on the correct answer and move it into the gap.
Sample Listening Matching Sample Listening Matching Answer KeySample Listening Matching Recording Transcript 
Sample Academic Reading Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)You will read an extract from a Part 1 text about the scientist Marie Curie.
Click on the correct answer.
Sample Academic Reading Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given) Sample Academic Reading Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given) Answer Key
Sample Academic Reading Note CompletionYou will read an extract from a Part 1 text about the scientist Marie Curie.
For each question, write your answer in the gap.
Sample Academic Reading Note Completion Sample Academic Reading Note Completion Answer Key
Sample Academic Reading Matching HeadingsYou will read a Part 2 text about the physics of traffic behaviour.
For each question, click on the correct answer and move it into the gap.
Sample Academic Reading Matching HeadingsSample Academic Reading Matching Headings Answer Key
Sample Academic Reading Summary Completion (selecting words from the text)You will read an extract from a Part 3 text about the ‘Plain English’ movement, which promotes the use of clear English.
For each question, write your answer in the gap.
Sample Academic Reading Summary Completion (selecting words from the text)Sample Academic Reading Summary Completion (selecting words from the text) Answer Key
Sample Academic Reading Summary Completion (selecting from a list of words or phrases)You will read an extract from a Part 3 text about language.
For each question, write your answer in the gap.
Sample Academic Reading Summary Completion (selecting from a list of words or phrases)Sample Academic Reading Summary Completion (selecting from a list of words or phrases) Answer Key
Sample Academic Reading Flow-chart Completion (selecting words from the text)You will read an extract from a Part 3 text about the effect of a low-calorie diet on the ageing process.
For each question, write your answer in the gap.
Sample Academic Reading Flow-chart Completion (selecting words from the text)Sample Academic Reading Flow-chart Completion (selecting words from the text) Answer Key
Academic Writing
                                        Sample Academic Writing Part 1 Responses to Sample Part 1 and Part 2 with band scores and examiner comments 
                                    

                                        Sample Academic Writing Part 2 Responses to Sample Part 1 and Part 2 with band scores and examiner comments
                                    

Frequently asked questions

Which IELTS test should I take if I am applying for UK visa?

If you are from a non-English speaking country and want to study/move to the UK, you need to take an IELTS test approved for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) purposes known as IELTS for UKVI.

Can I use my IELTS test score for UK Visa application?

No. You need to take the ‘IELTS for UKVI’ test to meet the UK immigration’s requirement.

Is there any difference in the test format of regular IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?

There is no change in the content, format or level of difficulty and scoring for IELTS for UKVI. It simply follows certain extra security protocols to ensure the authenticity of the test taker. Also, your Test Report Form or TRF may also look slightly different from the regular IELTS one.

Where can I take IELTS for UKVI?

The network of IELTS test centres managed by IDP is vast. You can take IELTS in India at UKVI approved locations.

How do I book/register for the test?

You can easily Book IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills online. Alternatively, simply walk in to your nearest IDP IELTS office and our staff will guide you through the registration procedure.

How many times can I take IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills?

There is no restriction on how many times you take the IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills test, however, if you pass the Life Skills test once, you will not be able to re-take it at the same level for a duration of two years.

Can I use my score of IELTS for UKVI for other purposes in other countries?

Yes, you can. IELTS score is accepted by over 10,000 educational and professional organisations across the globe.

Register for IELTS

What is IELTS for UKVI?

UK Visa and Immigration

IELTS Life Skills

IELTS for UKVI test locations

IELTS for UKVI test fee

Test results

Be better prepared for IELTS for UKVI with our sample tests

Listening Test

Sample Listening Multiple Choice (one answer)

Sample Listening Multiple Choice (one answer)

Sample Listening Matching

Sample Listening Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling (Type A)

Sample Listening Note Completion

Sample Listening Short Answer Questions

Academic Reading

Sample Academic Reading Multiple Choice (one answer)

Sample Academic Reading Multiple Choice (more than one answer)

Sample Listening Matching

Sample Academic Reading Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)

Sample Academic Reading Note Completion

Sample Academic Reading Matching Headings

Sample Academic Reading Summary Completion (selecting words from the text)

Sample Academic Reading Summary Completion (selecting from a list of words or phrases)

Sample Academic Reading Flow-chart Completion (selecting words from the text)

Academic Writing

Frequently asked questions