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
|
A1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
Family route (extension)
|
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. |
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 16,500 |
Life Skills | INR 15,350 |
*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.