IELTS For UKVI: English Test Guide

IELTS for UKVI is one of a number of government-approved tests that proves an applicant meets the English language requirement as part of a UK Home Office application.

If you’re looking to apply for a UK visa, settlement or citizenship, you may be required under the UK’s immigration rules to prove your knowledge of the English language. This can be done using a Home Office-approved test, known as a secure English language test (SELT), from an approved provider. IELTS SELT Consortium is one such provider, among others.

Applicants should carefully consider the test centre they choose, as only tests taken at UKVI-approved centres are valid for visa purposes. Another consideration is ensuring that the test type aligns with the visa application, such as General Training or Academic modules. Failure to meet the required score can lead to delays in visa processing or rejection, requiring a retake of the test.

To avoid issues, it is recommended to review the UKVI requirements for the specific visa category and ensure all aspects of the application are accurate and complete. Preparation for the test is also essential, as applicants must demonstrate proficiency under timed conditions.

In this guide, we set out the key requirements and rules relating to the IELTs test for UK immigration applications.

 

What is IELTS for UKVI?

 

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is a globally recognised test designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals who want to study, work, or migrate to countries where English is the primary language of communication.

IELTS for UKVI is a Secure English Language Test specifically approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa applications to the United Kingdom. It assesses the English language proficiency of non-native speakers and ensures that applicants meet the language requirements for their chosen visa route. The test covers four key skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Depending on the visa type, applicants may need to achieve a specific score in each section or overall.

 

Proper preparation and planning can significantly improve the chances of success.

The following guide looks at how to prove you meet the English language requirement for UK immigration visa applications.

 

Do you need to take an English language test?

 

Many UK visa routes, as well as applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship, require the applicant to have a certain level of proficiency in the English language. If you are subject to the English language requirement, you can prove it either by having a degree that what was taught or researched in English, or you will need to pass a Home Office-approved English language test.

 

Types of English language test for UKVI

 

There are two different types of English language test. The test you will need to take will be determined by the kind of UK Home Office application you are making.

Applicants for the Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker, High Potential Individual, Scale Up Worker, Student and Minister of Religion routes have to take a test on their English reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities.

Applicants for British citizenship, indefinite leave to remain (settlement), Parent, Partner, International Sportsperson and Representative of an Overseas Business routes have to take a test on their speaking and listening abilities.

The tests comprise several levels, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level. The level you will need to meet will depend on the category you are applying for.

British citizenship applications, example, require at least level B1.

 

Approved Secure English Test (SELT) providers

 

The English language test can only be taken through one of a number of Home Officer-authorised organisations. Applicants have the choice as to which they use out of these providers.

At the time of writing, the options are:

 

What are the different types of IELTS for UKVI tests?

 

UKVI provides a list of Secure English Language Tests (SELTS), setting out the English language qualification(s) required for each category of visa application, including ‘IELTS for UKVI’ and ‘IELTS Life Skills’.

IELTS is essentially an international standardised test that measures the English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is also one of the most popular English language proficiency tests for higher education and global migration worldwide.

IELTS is accepted as evidence of language proficiency for study, work and migration in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK, as well as for study and work in the USA, although each country sets its own IELTS requirements.

For UK visa purposes, ‘IELTS for UKVI’ and ‘IELTS Life Skills’ are designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specific to UK Visas and Immigration, although there is actually no material difference in either the level of difficulty, the content or format, or even the examiners or scoring system, to IELTS tests used for all other purposes.

That said, the report forms for those tests designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration will be slightly different to those used otherwise, as UKVI will not accept results from other locations. As such, these forms are simply to show that applicants have taken the test at an IELTS UKVI visa location.

The IELTS test you take, together with the score you need, will depend on the Home Office requirements and/or the requirements of the institution where you plan to study or work. In circumstances where you are taking the IELTS test to support a Home Office application, you will need to take either the ‘IELTS for UKVI’ test or the ‘IELTS Life Skills’ test.

Under IELTS for UKVI there are two different training modules: Academic or General Training, either of which is accepted as proof of English proficiency for those wishing to live, work and study in the UK.

The different IELTS UKIVI tests can be explained as follows:

 

• IELTS for UKVI (Academic) – this measures whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment, evaluating whether you are ready to begin training or studying. This is for applicants who need to prove to UKVI their proficiency in English language to study at either undergraduate or postgraduate levels, as well as for those seeking professional registration in the UK.
• IELTS for UKVI (General Training) – this measures English language proficiency in a practical everyday context, where the tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social situations. This is for applicants who need to prove to UKVI their proficiency in English language to train or study below degree level, or to migrate to the UK.
• IELTS Life Skills – there are three different levels here, the A1, A2 and B1. The Al level is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UKVI for a visa as a family member of a settled person, whilst the A2 level is for those wanting to extend a partner or parent visa. Finally, the B1 test is for those applying for either indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship.

 

Each of the IELTS Life Skills tests corresponds to A1, A2 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). These are the guidelines recognised by UKVI for measuring language ability.

 

Who needs the IELTS for UKVI?

 

Evidence of English language ability to the required CEFR level is a requirement for many UK immigration and nationality applicants. Below we look at which IELTS test you will need to take and what score you will require for each type of UK visa, based on the required minimum CEFR level and skills for that particular category of visa. For example:

 

• Skilled Worker visa – requires CEFR level B1 including reading, writing, speaking and listening for which you will need to score 4.0 overall and for each of the four skills in the IELTS for UKVI test.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship – these will require CEFR level B1 for which you will need to pass the IELTS Life Skills at B1 or score 4.0 in speaking and listening in the IELTS for UKVI test.
• Family of a settled person visa – requires CEFR level A1 proficiency. Applicants can meet this by passing the IELTS Life Skills at A1 test or by achieving a minimum score of 4.0 in speaking and listening in the IELTS for UKVI test.
• Family of a settled person visa extension (available only in the UK) – requires CEFR level A2 proficiency. This can be demonstrated by passing the IELTS Life Skills at A2 test or by scoring at least 4.0 in speaking and listening in the IELTS for UKVI test.
• Study visa below degree level: applicants must meet CEFR level B1, which entails achieving a minimum score of 4.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) of the IELTS for UKVI test.
• Student visa degree Level and Above: Generally requires CEFR level B2 proficiency. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can determine their own methods to assess English language ability. Many accept IELTS Academic results, and some may not require a SELT test. Some academic institutions may also set higher English language proficiency requirements than the minimum UKVI standards. Always verify with the institution or relevant authority to ensure compliance with their specific criteria.

 

 

IELTS for UKVI exemptions

 

In certain circumstances, applicants may not need to satisfy the English language requirement, for example, where you are a national of specific majority English-speaking country, you should automatically meet this requirement.

You may also satisfy the English language requirement if you hold a UK Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD, or have an academic qualification that was taught or researched in English and that qualification is recognised as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher.

Further, if you are applying under the family route, you may be exempt from the requirement in any one of the following circumstances:

 

• You are aged 65 or over
• You have a disability which prevents you from meeting the requirement
• There are exceptional circumstances that prevent you from being able to meet the requirement.

 

To qualify for an exemption on the basis of exceptional circumstances, you must demonstrate that you are unable to learn English before coming to the UK or that it is not practicable or reasonable for you to travel to another country to take an approved English test. However, each application for an exemption will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

This list of exemptions is not exhaustive, so expert advice should always be sought before submitting an application to UK Visas and Immigration without having first passed either the IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills test.

 

Where can the English language test be taken?

 

IELTS is available worldwide, in locations specified by UKVI. However, you must confirm at the time of registration that you wish to use your test result for a UK visa application. Test dates are typically available within 28 days of booking your test.

You must sit the test at a location authorised by UKVI under specified conditions, as UKVI will not accept results from other testing locations. Having taken the test, you will receive an IELTS report form to show that your test met the ‘IELTS for UKVI’ or ‘IELTS Life Skills’ requirements.

In certain locations, the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test is also available on computer, whilst the UKVI Life Skills A2 test for an extension to a partner or parent visa is only available in the UK.

 

What does the IELTS UKVI test involve?

 

The IELTS UKVI tests are designed to assess UK visa applicants on their English language competencies required to obtain a particular category of visa.

The IELTS for UKVI (Academic) and (General Training) tests comprise of four parts: reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes), listening (30 minutes) and speaking (11-14 minutes). The reading, writing and listening tests are done in one sitting, whilst the speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.

The IELTS Life Skills test comprises only of speaking and listening. Both aspects are completed in one short session, face-to-face with an examiner and with one other test taker. The IELTS Life Skills at CEFR Level A1 takes 16-18 minutes, whereas Level A2 takes 20 minutes and Level B1 takes 22 minutes.

In the Life Skills test you will be asked to conduct a structured conversation to demonstrate that you can listen and respond to a number of tasks using conversational English needed for living in the UK. This will be on everyday subjects such as family and friends, work, health, leisure, transport and weather.

IELTS uses a nine-band scale scoring system to measure levels of proficiency and to report test scores clearly and consistently. You receive individual band scores for each of the relevant skills, with an overall band score on a scale from 1-9.

To prepare for the test you can improve your skills by using the IELTS official practice materials. Some test centres also offer preparatory courses and language classes.

 

How to book your IELTS test

 

You will need to book your IELTS UKVI test using the relevant online booking system, where the details used to book your test must be as stated on your passport or other identity document. IELTS has a set fee for its test. IELTS for UKVI (Academic & General Training) costs £205. IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2 & B1) for UKVI costs £155.

On the day of your test you will need to provide evidence of your identity at the test centre before you will be allowed to take the test. This will need to be by way of a valid passport or travel document, or valid biometric residence permit. These documents must be originals and include a photograph.

 

IELTS For UKVI FAQs

 

What is IELTS for UKVI?

IELTS for UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by UK Visas and Immigration to assess English proficiency for visa applications.

 

How is IELTS for UKVI different from regular IELTS?

While the test format and scoring are the same, IELTS for UKVI is conducted under specific security measures to meet UKVI requirements. Tests are only valid if taken at UKVI-approved centres.

 

Which visa applications require IELTS for UKVI?

IELTS for UKVI is commonly required for Tier 2 Skilled Worker visas, student visas, family visas, and other routes where proof of English proficiency is necessary.

 

What are the different versions of IELTS for UKVI?

There are two main versions: Academic, for those applying to study at degree level or higher, and General Training, for migration or work purposes. A separate Life Skills test is available for basic English requirements.

 

What scores do I need to pass IELTS for UKVI?

The required scores vary depending on the visa type. For example, a Skilled Worker visa may require a CEFR level B1 (equivalent to an IELTS score of 4.0 overall).

 

Can I use a regular IELTS test for UK visa applications?

No, only IELTS for UKVI taken at an approved test centre is valid for visa applications. Ensure you select the correct test when booking.

 

How long is an IELTS for UKVI certificate valid?

The certificate is valid for two years from the date of the test.

 

How do I prepare for IELTS for UKVI?

Preparation can include online resources, practice tests, or enrolling in English language courses. Understanding the test format and practising under timed conditions is key.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
IELTS for UKVI	A Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by UK Visas and Immigration for visa applications.
Secure English Language Test (SELT)	Tests specifically approved by the UK government to assess English language proficiency for immigration purposes.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)	The division of the Home Office responsible for managing UK visa applications and immigration controls.
Academic Module	A version of IELTS for UKVI designed for those applying to study at degree level or higher in the UK.
General Training Module	A version of IELTS for UKVI for applicants seeking to work or migrate to the UK.
Life Skills Test	A simplified IELTS test for UKVI, designed to assess basic English listening and speaking skills, typically required for family or spouse visas.
CEFR	The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, a standard for measuring language proficiency levels.
B1 Level	A CEFR level indicating intermediate English proficiency, often required for Skilled Worker visas.
Test Centre	An official location approved by UKVI where IELTS for UKVI tests are conducted under secure conditions.
Test Report Form (TRF)	The official certificate provided to test-takers showing their IELTS for UKVI scores.
Immigration Routes	The various visa categories under UKVI, such as Skilled Worker, Student, or Family visas.
Band Score	A scale from 1 to 9 used to report IELTS test results, with higher scores indicating greater proficiency.
Validity Period	The two-year duration during which IELTS for UKVI results are considered valid for visa applications.