IELTS for UKVI

What is IELTS for UKVI, and Why is it Required?

IELTS for UKVI' is an officially approved English Language Test recognised by the UK government. It allows applicants to demonstrate their proficiency in English while applying for a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI). IELTS is reappointed as a language test trusted by the UK government for visas.

You can read about this in detail here: IELTS for UK Reappointed by the UK government.

If you are planning to study, work or move to the UK, you need to appear for IELTS for UKVI. Universities, colleges, and professional bodies will only accept IELTS for UKVI scores. Regular IELTS will not be considered.

Various visa categories require applicants to have an English language qualification from the list of Secure English Language Tests (SELT tests) approved by the UK Home Office.

What are the Different IELTS Tests for the UK?

For UKVI, three types of IELTS test are available: Academic, General training and Life Skills. Each of these is discussed below:

IELTS Academic	This test is for individuals who wish to study at Undergraduate or Postgraduate levels and also for those who want a professional registration in the UK.
IELTS General Training	This is for individuals who want to migrate to the UK under certain visa categories and also for those who want to study for a course below the degree level.
IELTS Life Skills A1	This test is for those who want to apply for “family of settled person” visas.
IELTS Life Skills A2	This test is for those individuals who want to apply for an extension to family or spouse visas.
IELTS Life Skills B1	This test is for individuals who want an indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.

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 for the Tier 4 Student visa must meet the language requirement set by their university or 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 the minimum score required overall and in each skill
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 (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 routeSpouse/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 for Employment Opportunities in the UK

English is the dominant language in the UK job market and proficiency in the language is highly valued by employers. Many employers require proof of English language proficiency for certain positions, especially those involving direct communication with clients or international business partners. Strong English skills can significantly increase job prospects, as it demonstrates effective communication abilities, essential for successful professional interactions.

Preparing Strategies for IELTS General Training

Understand the General Training module's format and requirements, including Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening sections tailored for everyday communication scenarios.
Enhance your listening skills by actively engaging with a variety of English audio materials, such as news broadcasts, podcasts, and conversations.
Practice reading different types of texts, such as articles, advertisements, and workplace-related documents, to improve your reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Develop your writing skills by practising formal and informal letter writing and other common written tasks required in professional settings.
Work on your speaking fluency and accuracy by participating in discussions, debates, and role-playing exercises.

IELTS for Immigration to the UK

UK Immigration authorities often require proof of English language proficiency for certain visa categories. IELTS is accepted as a valid language test for visa applications in the UK, including various visa categories such as Tier 2 (Skilled Worker), Tier 4 (Student), and Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme).

IELTS Test Fee

Test type	Test fee*
IELTS for UKVI	INR 17250
Life Skills	INR 16,050

*IELTS fee is subject to change without prior notice

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 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 results 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 test 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

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 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.

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Register for IELTS

IELTS for UKVI

What is IELTS for UKVI, and Why is it Required?

What are the Different IELTS Tests for the UK?

IELTS for Employment Opportunities in the UK

Preparing Strategies for IELTS General Training

IELTS for Immigration to the UK

IELTS Test Fee

IELTS for UKVI Test Locations

IELTS 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

What our students are saying

Flawless process

Great experience

Really Amazing experience