What is IELTS for UKVI
'IELTS for UKVI' is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
This means that IELTS can be used to prove your English language abilities in support of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.
For many categories of visas, you must submit an English language qualification which is included on the UK Home Office's list of Secure English Language Tests (SELT tests).
The following IELTS tests are on this list and have been approved for UK Visas and Immigration purposes:
| Test | Version | Purpose |
| IELTS | Academic** | This test is for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels and for those seeking professional registration in the UK. |
| IELTS | General Training | This test is for test takers wishing to migrate to the UK and those wishing to train or study below degree level. |
| IELTS Life Skills | A1 | This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for 'family of a settled person' visas. |
| IELTS Life Skills | A2* | This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for an extension to a Family, Spouse or Partner visa. |
| IELTS Life Skills | B1 | The UKVI Life Skills B1 is for those who want to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK or citizenship. |
*Please note that IELTS Life Skills A2 is only available in the UK.
**IELTS for UKVI (Academic) is also available and delivered on a computer in certain locations
IELTS (Academic or General Training)
If you're applying for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas to the UK, this is the test for you.
IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training for UKVI is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specified by the UK Home Office.
The actual test taken is the same as IELTS (for all other purposes), same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on.
The difference is in the customer journey on the test day. Test Report Forms will be slightly different to show that you have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session.
IELTS Life Skills
If you're applying for a family of a settled person visa, an extension of a family of a settled person visa or for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship, IELTS Life Skills is the test for you.
IELTS Life Skills is a new test approved by UKVI as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). It's for people who need to show they have speaking and listening skills at Level A1, A2 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
What is IELTS Life Skills and what is it for?
IELTS Life Skills is a test of Speaking and Listening, available at CEFR Level A1 and CEFR Level B1. It is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration for certain visa categories.
When and where can I take an IELTS Life Skills test?
We will be announcing dates for registration and testing shortly on www.takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ielts-uk-immigration-visa. IELTS Life Skills tests are available throughout the world, in locations specified by UK Visas and Immigration. The IELTS Life Skills test centres will also be announced here shortly. To find out whether you need to take an approved test, and what level you need to achieve, please visit www.gov.uk for more information.
What is the format of the IELTS Life Skills test?
You take the test with another test taker and one Examiner. Your own performance on both speaking and listening will be assessed during this one session.
Why does IELTS Life Skills only cover Speaking and Listening?
The new test has been designed to meet specific immigration requirements for which applicants only need to demonstrate speaking and listening skills.
How long does the IELTS Life Skills test take?
IELTS Life Skills at CEFR Level A1 takes 16-18 minutes and Level B1 is 22 minutes.
Is there any break between Speaking and Listening?
No. You will be assessed on your Speaking and Listening skills at the same time.
How is IELTS Life Skills assessed?
A certificated IELTS Examiner will assess your performance throughout the Listening and Speaking test based on the following criteria:
- obtaining information
- conveying information
- speaking to communicate
- engaging in discussion
How can I prepare for the IELTS Life Skills test?
Free test samples will be available shortly on www.takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ielts-uk-immigration-visa.
How many copies of the IELTS Life Skills Test Report Form will I get?
You will receive one copy of the IELTS Life Skills Test Report Form.
How soon will I get my IELTS Life Skills results?
Test results are normally available within 7 days of your test.
How often is an IELTS or IELTS Life Skills test available?
For IELTS and IELTS Life Skills, test dates will be available within 28 days of booking your test.
How often can I re-take IELTS or IELTS Life Skills?
There are no restrictions on retaking IELTS. You can register for a test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so. Candidates who have previously taken the IELTS Life Skills test and have passed are not allowed to re-take the test at the same level within two years, e.g. a candidate who has taken an IELTS Life Skills A1 test and has passed cannot take another Life Skills A1 test within two years. Similarly a candidate who has taken an IELTS Life Skills B1 test and has passed cannot take another Life Skills B1 test within two years.