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Discover IELTS for UKVI tests
If you’re planning a move to the UK to live, work or study, you’ll need to take a secure English language test (SELT) for your visa. Get ready for your move with our approved IELTS for UKVI tests.
What are IELTS for UKVI tests?
Our IELTS for UKVI tests are all you need to prove your English skills for United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
IELTS for UKVI test takers will also receive a Test Report Form (TRF) which includes specific information for UKVI compared to the standard IELTS TRF.
We provide the following tests that are approved by UKVI for visa applications to the UK:
IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training)
The IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training) tests are the same design, format and difficulty as standard IELTS tests. However, IELTS for UKVI tests must be taken in a UK Home Office-approved test centre with additional security measures in place.
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills
To live in the UK, you’ll need to take an IELTS for UKVI Life Skills test, which assesses your English speaking and listening skills.
There are three versions available, for levels A1, A2 and B1
Which IELTS for UKVI tests does the British Council offer?
The British Council offers the following tests that are approved by UKVI for visa applications to the UK.
For undergraduate or postgraduate study, or for professional registration
To migrate to the UK for work, training or study below degree level
For British citizenship, indefinite leave to remain and family visas
What score do I need for UKVI visa applications?
The score you need depends on the visa you are applying for. The UK government requires you to achieve the IELTS scores set out below in every component of your test.
You can find more information about visa requirements on the UK Government website (opens in a new tab).
CEFR level A1
For visas that require CEFR level A1, you need to achieve a pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 test (Listening and Speaking)
CEFR level A2
For visas that require CEFR level A2, you need to achieve a pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 test (Listening and Speaking). This test is only available in the UK
CEFR level B1
For visas that require CEFR level B1, you need to achieve a pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 test (Listening and Speaking)
CEFR level B1
For visas that require CEFR level B1, you need to get at least an IELTS score of 4.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
CEFR level B2
For visas that require CEFR level B2, you need to get at least an IELTS score of 5.5 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
CEFR level C1
For visas that require CEFR level C1, you need to get at least an IELTS score of 7.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
IELTS test requirements for UKVI visas
British citizenship
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
Visit GOV.UK: British citizenship overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Family route
- Indefinite leave to remain (UK family)
- Minimum CEFR level required: A1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 – Pass
Visit GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain (UK family) overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Family visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: A2
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 – Pass
Visit GOV.UK: Family visa (extension) overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Indefinite leave to remain
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
Visit GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Health and Care Worker visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – must achieve a minimum of 4.0 in each of the four components
Visit GOV.UK: Health and Care Worker visa overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Innovator Founder visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B2
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
Visit GOV.UK: Innovator Founder visa overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
International Sportsperson visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: A1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 – Pass
Visit GOV.UK: International Sportsperson visa overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Minister of Religion visa (T2)
- Minimum CEFR level required: B2
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
Visit GOV.UK: Minister of Religion visa (T2) overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Representative of an Overseas Business visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: A1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 – Pass
Visit GOV.UK: Representative of an Overseas Business visa overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Skilled Worker visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – must achieve a minimum score of 4.0 in each of the four components
Visit GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Below degree level:
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – must achieve a minimum of 4.0 in each of the four components
Visit GOV.UK: Student visa overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Degree level or above:
- Minimum CEFR level required: Equivalent to B2
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS or IELTS for UKVI – must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
Visit GOV.UK: Student visa overview (opens in a new tab) for more information.
Go further with IELTS for UKVI
IELTS is the leading secure English language test (SELT) provider for the UK. Whether you plan to study, work or migrate to the UK, you can trust the British Council to open doors for you.
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