IELTS for the UK

If you make a visa application to stay or move to the UK, you need to be aware of changes made by the United Kingdom Visas & Immigration (UKVI).

The IELTS for UKVI test is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). This specific IELTS test can be used to prove your English language abilities in support of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.

An IELTS Life Skills score can be used to prove your English Listening and Speaking abilities in support of an application for a UK family visa or settlement.

The IELTS test you take – and the score you need – will depend on both your visa requirements and/or the requirements of the institution where you plan to study or work.

IELTS for UKVI

• If you intend to migrate to the UK, it’s likely you need to provide evidence of your English language skills. IELTS for UKVI is probably for you.

• There are two tests available: IELTS for UKVI General Training and IELTS for UKVI Academic.

Read more about IELTS for UKVI

IELTS Life Skills

• If you intend to take the family route to the UK as a spouse/partner/parent, it’s likely you need to provide evidence of your English. IELTS Life Skills is probably for you.

• IELTS Life Skills is for people who need to prove their English listening and speaking skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Levels A1 or B1.

• There are two tests available: IELTS Life Skills A1 and IELTS Life Skills B1.

Read more about IELTS Life Skills

Use the UK Government visa check list  to find out whether you need to take an approved test, what level you need to achieve, and which test you can use. You can also check the section below that applies to your visa tier. Just remember: UK Visas and Immigration rules can change, so you should always check with them before you book your test.