Visas and Immigration in the United Kingdom
Anybody who wants to pursue a professional or academic career abroad must take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Both the IELTS Academic and General Training are comprised.
You must take the IELTS test known as IELTS for UKVI, which is accepted for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) reasons, if you wish to work, study, or move to the UK. Anyone who does not come from an English-speaking nation can attest to this. Keep in mind that the only exam recognised by universities, colleges, and professional associations for a UKVI score is the IELTS. Standard IELTS will not be considered.
While the content, format, level of difficulty and score remain same, IELTS for UKVI employs additional security mechanisms to protect the test taker's validity. In addition, your Test Report Form (TRF) may change slightly from the standard IELTS one
Candidates applying for a Tier 4 Student visa must meet their university's language requirements; others can use this table as a guide to determine the score required:
| Visa description | Minimum CEFR level required | Skills | IELTS test and minimum score required overall and in each skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (General) visa | C1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 7.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 (General) visa - in most cases | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa | A1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa | B2 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI - 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 4 (General) student visa - below degree level and pre-sessional courses | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 4 (General) student visa - degree level and above | B2 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS/IELTS for UKVI3 – 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Family route Spouse/partner Parent of a dependant |
A1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
| Family route (extension) Spouse/partner Parent of a dependant |
A2 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at A2 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
| Indefinite leave to remain (to settle) or citizenship | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at B1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |