It can be intimidating to relocate to a new nation. However, moving can go much more smoothly if you are prepared with the necessary knowledge beforehand, such as the English language.
For many individuals looking to go overseas, the UK is the top option due to its robust economy, advanced healthcare and education systems, and diverse cultural landscape.
Every year, over 3.5 million students take the IELTS exam, making it the most widely used English language test for a UK visa and higher education.
Test takers’ main reasons for taking the IELTS tests usually include moving to, working or studying in the UK. Language learning is also extremely important in the UK business world.
The following guide looks at how to prove you meet the English language requirement for UK immigration visa applications as well as everything you need to know about the secure English language test (SELT.)
What is IELTS for UKVI?
IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills are two of the Secure English Language Tests (SELTS) that UKVI offers. These tests specify the English language proficiency(s) needed for each type of visa application. You should try to learn English before taking any of these tests.
For non-native English speakers, the IELTS is essentially an internationally standardised test that gauges their level of language proficiency. Additionally, it is one of the most widely used English language competency exams for international migration and higher education.
Although there isn’t a significant difference between the IELTS tests used for all other purposes in terms of difficulty, format, content, examiners, or scoring, “IELTS for UKVI” and “IELTS Life Skills” are made to satisfy specific administrative requirements related to UK Visas and Immigration.
However, since UKVI would not accept results from other locations, the report forms for those exams created to satisfy the standards of UK Visas and Immigration will change differently from those used otherwise. Therefore, the purpose of these forms is only to attest to the fact that the applicant took the test at an IELTS UKVI visa station.
What are the different types of IELTS for UKVI tests?
The requirements of the Home Office and/or the organisation where you intend to study or work will determine the IELTS exam you take and the score you need. You must take either the “IELTS for UKVI” or the “IELTS Life Skills” exam if you are taking the IELTS exam to support a Home Office application.
IELTS Academic
This assesses your readiness to start training or studying by determining whether your level of English language proficiency is appropriate for an academic setting. This is for applicants who wish to register as professionals in the UK and who must demonstrate to UKVI that they are proficient in the English language in order to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies.
IELTS General Training
This assesses language skills in English in a real-world setting, including assignments and exams that mirror social and professional contexts. This is for applicants who wish to migrate to the UK or train or study below a degree level but need to demonstrate to UKVI their English language competency.
IELTS Life Skills Test
Here, there are three distinct levels: A1, A2, and B1. The A2 level is for those wishing to extend a partner or parent visa, while the Al level is for those who must demonstrate their proficiency in speaking and hearing in English as part of their application to UKVI for a visa as a family member of a settled person. Lastly, applicants seeking British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain must pass the B1 test.
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), each of the IELTS Life Skills exams correlates to either A1, A2, or B1. These are the standards that UKVI has approved for use in assessing language proficiency.
Who needs to take the IELTS?
The CEFR level of English language proficiency must be demonstrated, as needed by many UK immigration and nationality applicants. Based on the minimal CEFR level and skill requirements for each specific category of visa, we have provided which IELTS exam you must take and the score you need below for each type of UK visa.
Skilled workers
For skilled workers seeking professional registration, CEFR level B1 is required, which includes speaking, writing, hearing, and reading. To meet this requirement, you must score 4.0 overall and for each of the four abilities on the IELTS exam for UKVI.
British Citizenship
In order to achieve CEFR level B1, you must either pass the IELTS Life Skills exam at B1 or receive a speaking and listening score of 4.0 on the IELTS for UKVI exam.
Family of a settled person visas
In order to achieve CEFR level A1, you must either pass the IELTS Life Skills exam at A1 or receive a speaking and listening score of 4.0 on the IELTS for UKVI exam.
How can I book an IELTS test?
The IELTS UKVI test must be scheduled through the appropriate online booking system, and the information you provide when scheduling the test must match the information on your passport or other identifying document.
There is a fixed cost for the IELTS exam. The Academic and General Training IELTS test costs £205 for UKVI. The cost of the IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, and B1) for UKVI is £155.
Before you can take the test on the day of the exam, the test venue will want you to present identification. A valid passport, travel document, or biometric residence permit will be required for this. These documents need to have a photo and be original.
Looking for English language training?
We hope this guide to the IELTS tests has been informative and helpful but you should remember it is important that you confirm which test the UKVI or the educational institution you are applying to wants you to take. (Lifeskills, IELTS, or IELTS for UKVI).
Test takers wishing for a high score should consider English language courses, like those offered by Simon & Simon. We offer a range of language services and training methods, from one-on-one coaching to group training.
For more information about our English business training or Intensive Language Courses, please contact us today!
IELTS test for UK visas FAQs
What are the different types of IELTS test?
The different IELTS UKVI tests are IELTS for UKVI (Academic) and IELTS for UKVI (General Training).
What is IELTS for UKVI?
The System for International English Language Testing Applicants can demonstrate their English language proficiency for UKVI applications by taking the Home Office-approved IELTS test. The Secure English Language Test (SELT), known as IELTS, has passing scores of 7.0 in speaking, listening, and reading and 6.5 in writing.
What is the difference between IELTS and UKVI IELTS?
The framework of the tests for IELTS and UKVI IELTS is the same, however the results are presented in a slightly different way. Confirmation that the exam was administered at an official site approved by the Home Office is part of the UKVI IELTS.
