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 WMYV 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.
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:
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 Visa | B2 | 5.5 |
| Start-up 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 |
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:
If you are outside the UK, you may take a test with one of the following approved providers:
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:
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 WMYV for expert advice about your situation.
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:
Within these categories exist the UKVI-specific exams:
Below is an explanation of who the IELTS exams are for:
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
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. WMYV 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 for advice about your specific English Language requirements. Our immigration solicitors are based are here to help.
Reach out to us for more information or to see how we can help you?
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.
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 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.
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