The IELTS for UKVI is an English language test accepted by the Home Office as part of visa applications requiring a minimum level of English language skills. IELTS for UKVI is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). This means that IELTS can be used to prove your English language abilities in support of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.
Unless you are exempt, you must show proof of passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of the application process for the following UK visas and immigration routes:
The above visas require a test of your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The following IELTS tests are on this list and have been approved for UK Visas and Immigration purposes:
| Test | Version | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Academic | This test is for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels and for those seeking professional registration in the UK. |
| Test | Version | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | General training | This test is for test takers wishing to migrate to the UK and for those wishing to train or study below degree level. |
| IELTS Life Skills | A1 | This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for ‘family of a settled person’ visas. |
| IELTS Life Skills | A2* | This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for extension to Family, Spouse or Partner visa. |
| IELTS Life Skills | B1 | This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship. |
*Please note, IELTS Life Skills A2 is only available in the UK.
You must reach a minimum standard to prove your language proficiency. The accepted standard is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
There are six levels on this scale, grouped as follows:
| CEFR level | Code | Approximate IELTS score |
|---|---|---|
| Proficient | C2 | 9.0 |
| C1 | 7.0 – 8.0 | |
| Independent | B2 | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| B1 | 4.0 – 5.0 | |
| Basic | A2 | |
| A1 |
The required CEFR and IELTS score for each of the above visa or immigration routes is as follows:
| UK immigration route | Required CEFR score | Required IELTS score |
|---|---|---|
| Business Innovator Founder Visa | B2 | 5.5 |
| Start-up Visa | B2 | 5.5 |
| Skilled Worker Visa | B1 | 4.0 |
| UK Visa Sponsor Licence for Employers | B1 | 4.0 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | B2 | 5.5 |
| Student Visa (TIER-4) | B2 | 5.5 |
Unless exempt, you must take any approved English language test for UK visas and immigration (UKVI). IELTS is one type of approved test.
Check the UK government checklist to see if you need to take a test, and if so, which test and the minimum level you need to achieve.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one approved English language test accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
The list of approved test providers and approved tests in the UK include:
If you are outside the UK, you may take a test with one of the following approved providers:
Several groups of people are not required to demonstrate knowledge of English as part of their immigration applications.
Some of the exemption reasons include:
There are some additional exemptions if you are applying for indefinite leave to remain (only):
If you are uncertain whether you need proof of an English language test, speak to an immigration lawyer at IAS for expert advice.
The IELTS for UKVI is one exam people can take to demonstrate their English proficiency.
However, there are number of IELTS tests. It is essential to choose the correct exam as required by UKVI.
The two primary types of IELTS exams are:
Within these categories exist the UKVI-specific exams:
Below is an explanation of who the IELTS exams are for:
The test structure will vary depending on the type of test you take.
The Academic and General Training IELTS exams will generally be structured like this:
You can use the IELTS website to take sample tests to practice.
The cost of the IELTS exams in 2023 are:
It is recommended to choose the correct exam type based on your circumstances and goals. As well as this, you should check where your nearest test centre is before booking your exam to ensure that you can travel on the date(s) of your tests.
The difference between the two tests is that the IELTS for the UKVI exam has been designed to meet the specific visa or immigration requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These exams are taken in a secure UKVI test centre under strict conditions to ensure fairness for all candidates. The test is very similar in content, format, scoring, and difficulty level. Many people take IELTS exams around the world for many reasons. However, IELTS for UKVI is specific to the needs of the UK immigration system.
Unfortunately, the IELTS exam is only valid for two years. However, for UKVI purposes, if you wish to renew your visa or immigration status, your expired IELTS certificate will be eligible for use on your application (in most cases). This means you do not have to re-sit the IELTS exam and can save the money and time required for another test sitting.
According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), you must achieve an overall score of 7.0 in your IELTS Academic exam. You must achieve at least 6.5 in the writing and 7.0 in the reading, listening and speaking sections. All of the scores can be at least 6.5 to be eligible for your registration with the NMC.
