IELTS for UKVI

Taking an approved English language test is one of the primary requirements of many UK Visas. This page explains in detail what you need to know about the UKVI IELTS test.

Speak to IAS immigration lawyers if you need support or advice with any UK visa application. We are on hand to assist you and give you the support you need.

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What is IELTS for UKVI?

The IELTS for UKVI is a type of English language test accepted by the Home Office as part of visa applications requiring a minimum level of English language skills.

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 skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

The following immigration routes require a test that assesses your skills in speaking and listening only:

What IELTS Score is Required for UK Visa?

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
Innovator Founder Visa	B2	5.5
Skilled Worker Visa	B1	4.0
Minister of Religion Visa	B2	5.5
Student Visa	B2	5.5
Sportsperson Visa	A1	4.0
Representative of an Overseas Business	A1	4.0
Family Visa (spouse/ (unmarried)/ partner	A1	4.0
Family Visa extension	Depends on your first exam ( if A1, the next must be at least A2)	Depends on your first exam
Parent Visa	A1	4.0
Indefinite leave to remain	B1	4.0
British citizenship	B1	4.0

Do you Need the IELTS for UKVI test?

Unless exempt, you must take any approved English language test for the purposes of 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 type of approved English language test that is accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

The list of approved test providers and approved tests in the UK include:

IELTS SELT Consortium (IELTS for UKVI exam / IELTS Life Skills exam)
LanguageCert (LanguageCert International ESOL SELT)
Pearson (PTE Academic UKVI / PTE Home)
Trinity College London (Secure English Language Tests for UKVI – Integrated Skills in English (ISE) / Graded Examinations in Spoken English)

If you are outside the UK, you may take a test with one of the following approved providers:

Who doesn’t need to prove knowledge of English?

There are several groups of people who are not required to demonstrate knowledge of English as part of their immigration applications.

Some of the exemption reasons include:

You are aged 65 years or older
You are unable to do an English exam due to a long-term physical or mental condition
You are a citizen of a country where English is a primary language
You have an academic degree that was taught or researched in English

There are some additional exemptions if you are applying for indefinite leave to remain (only):

You are a victim of domestic violence and your partner is a British citizen or settled person
You are the spouse of a British citizen/ settled person who has since died
You are an adult dependent relative aged between 18 and 64 years old and your British relative is living in the UK/ is a refugee or holds humanitarian protection
You are a refugee living in the UK
You hold discretionary leave in the UK
You have humanitarian protection
You have permission to stay as a retired person of independent means
You are a Commonwealth citizen on discharge from HM Forces
You have been deemed to have exceptional circumstances

If you are uncertain whether you need proof of an English language test, speak to an immigration lawyer at IAS for expert advice about your situation.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Types of IELTS for UKVI Test

The IELTS for UKVI is one type of exam that people can take to demonstrate their English language level.

However, there are number of IELTS tests. It is important to be choose the correct exam as required by UKVI.

The two primary types of IELTS exam are:

IELTS Academic
IELTS General Training

Within these categories exist the UKVI-specific exams:

IELTS for UKVI (Academic)
IELTS for UKVI (General Training)
IELTS Life Skills

Should I Take the IELTS for UKVI (Academic), IELTS for UKVI (General Training) Exam or IELTS Life Skills?

Below is an explanation of who the IELTS exams are for:

IELTS for UKVI (Academic): For individuals intending to study (at degree level or above) or work within a UK organisation with a requirement for this exam
IELTS for UKVI (General Training): For individuals who want to migrate to the UK for the purposes of studying (below degree level) or working
IELTS Life Skills A1: For people proving that they have the required level of speaking and listening skills
IELTS Life Skills B1: For people submitting an application for settlement in the UK

If you intend to study in the UK, the decision tree below may help test takers decide the type of exam to take for your circumstances.

Do you need a Student Visa?
- YES: Are you studying at degree level or above?
- YES: Are you studying with a Higher Education Institution with a Sponsor Licence?
- YES: You may not be required to take an IELTS exam (depending on your university) or alternatively, an IELTS Academic exam
Do you need a Student Visa?
- YES: Are you studying at degree level or above?
- NO: You will need to take the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) exam
Do you need a Student Visa?
- YES: Are you studying at degree level or above?
- YES: Are you studying with a Higher Education Institution with a Sponsor Licence?
- NO: You will need to take the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) exam

What does a IELTS for UKVI Sample Test Look Like?

Depending on the type of test you take, the test structure will vary.

The Academic and General Training IELTS exams will generally be structured like this:

Listening: Four sections, lasting 30 minutes, assessing your skills in understanding ideas, opinions, and attitudes
Reading: Three texts taken from current sources, 40 questions ranging from identifying information, matching headings, and summarising
Writing: Two texts (one lasting about 20 minutes with 150-word minimum, the second lasts 40 minutes, with a 250-word minimum)
Speaking: Three parts, 11-15 minutes in length. The first part involves questions about yourself and your life. The second part is speaking about a topic for two minutes based on a prompt. The third is a conversation based on the topic

You can use the IELTS website to take sample tests to practice.

How much does IELTS exam cost in UK?

The cost of the IELTS exams in 2026 are:

IELTS Academic and General Training: Between £190 and £220, depending on where you apply from
IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training): £220
IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, and B1): £155

It is recommended to carefully choose the correct exam type based on your circumstances and your goals.

You must bring a valid form of identification with you to your exam (i.e., passport or national identity card).

As well as this, you should check where your nearest test centre is before booking your exam to ensure that you will be able to travel on the date(s) of your tests.

How Long Does it Take to Get my IELTS Results?

You can get your UKVI IELTS exam results within three to five days of your test if you sat the exam on a computer.

If you submitted a paper-based test, you can expect to receive results approximately 13 days after your test.

Your IELTS Life Skills results will be available on the first Wednesday after your test.

You can check your IELTS test results on the IELTS website and by inputting your details.

Remember that the results will be available online for 28 days after publishing. You will receive your code by official letter and/ or email.

The result will be called the Test Report Form (TRF) and this is what you will need for your visa application.

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Written by Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha

Director – Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha is the director of the Immigration Advice Service. He is a committed human rights and immigration lawyer. He was awarded the IoD North West SME of the year award and commended for his work in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

The difference between the two tests is that the IELTS for 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 terms of 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.

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 that you do not have to resit the IELTS exam and can save the money and time required for another sitting of the test.

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 section and 7.0 in the reading, listening, and speaking sections.

None of the score can be lower than 6.5 to be eligible for your registration with the NMC.

Obtaining an English Language qualification can be complicated; it is often difficult to know which UK visas require applicants to meet English Language requirements and to what level.

Our expert immigration lawyers can offer you detailed advice on the English Language requirements you need to meet, whether you are applying for Entry Clearance, UK Settlement or Asylum.

Your lawyer can talk you through everything that is expected of you, how you should prepare and the kind of content which will be covered in each section of the IELTS UKVI test.

Our immigration lawyers can help you practice your IELTS test. IAS have specially designed English test for citizenship practice tests. Our lawyers can use these to help you prepare to meet your English Language requirements.

Get in touch online or call +44 (0)333 414 9244 for advice about your specific English Language requirements. Our immigration solicitors are based in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, as well as in many other locations throughout the UK.

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