IELTS for UK Visa Requirements: Complete UKVI Guide
If you are applying for a UK visa, understanding the English language requirements can be confusing. There are different IELTS versions, different score requirements for different visa types, and specific rules about where and how you take the test. This guide explains everything clearly.
Key Point: For UK visa applications, you usually need IELTS for UKVI (not standard IELTS), taken at an approved SELT centre. The test content is the same, but the administrative requirements differ.
IELTS vs IELTS for UKVI: What is the Difference?
There are three IELTS products relevant to UK visa applications:
| Product | What It Tests | Accepted For | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic for UKVI | All 4 skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) | Student visa, Skilled Worker visa (where Academic is required), professional registration | £200–220 |
| IELTS General Training for UKVI | All 4 skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) | Skilled Worker visa, settlement, family visa (where B1 needed) | £200–220 |
| IELTS Life Skills | Speaking and Listening only | Family visa (A1), settlement/ILR (B1), citizenship (B1) | £145–160 |
Is the Test Content Different?
No. IELTS for UKVI uses the exact same test papers, questions, and marking criteria as standard IELTS. The differences are purely administrative:
- Must be taken at an SELT-approved test centre (not all IELTS centres are approved)
- The test session is video recorded
- Additional identity verification procedures
- The Test Report Form (TRF) includes a unique reference number for UKVI verification
- Slightly higher cost due to added security
IELTS Requirements by UK Visa Type
Student Visa (Formerly Tier 4)
| Course Level | CEFR Level Required | IELTS Score Needed | IELTS Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below degree level (foundation, pre-sessional) | B1 | Overall 4.0 minimum (each component) | Academic for UKVI |
| Degree level and above | B2 | Overall 5.5 minimum (each component) | Academic for UKVI |
Important: The UKVI minimum score (B2 = 5.5) is the minimum for the visa. Your university will almost certainly require a higher score (typically 6.0–7.0 depending on the course). You must meet BOTH the visa requirement AND the university requirement.
Skilled Worker Visa
| Requirement | CEFR Level | IELTS Score | IELTS Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Skilled Worker | B1 | 4.0 minimum in each component | Academic or GT for UKVI |
| Health and Care Worker visa | B1 | 4.0 minimum in each component | Academic or GT for UKVI |
Note: Some employers and professional bodies require higher scores. For example, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requires an overall Band 7.0 with at least 7.0 in each component. The General Medical Council (GMC) requires 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component.
Family and Settlement Visas
| Visa Type | CEFR Level | Test Required |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/partner visa (initial) | A1 | IELTS Life Skills A1 |
| Spouse/partner visa (extension) | A2 | IELTS Life Skills A2 (or equivalent) |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / Settlement | B1 | IELTS Life Skills B1 or IELTS for UKVI (B1+) |
| British citizenship | B1 | IELTS Life Skills B1 or IELTS for UKVI (B1+) |
Other Visa Categories
| Visa Type | English Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Global Talent visa | No IELTS required | English ability assessed through application |
| Innovator Founder visa | B2 (IELTS 5.5+) | IELTS for UKVI required |
| Youth Mobility Scheme | No IELTS required | Only available to certain nationalities |
| Graduate visa | No separate IELTS required | Must have completed UK degree |
Who Is Exempt from IELTS for UK Visas?
You may not need to take IELTS if:
- You are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Countries include: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Ireland, and several others. Check the UK government list for the complete list of exempt nationalities.
- You have a degree taught in English. If your previous degree was taught and assessed entirely in English in a majority English-speaking country, this may be accepted as proof of English ability.
- You have previously met the English requirement for a different UK visa. In some cases, evidence from a previous application may be accepted.
- You are a national of an exempt country on the UK government's approved list. Nationals from certain countries are exempt from the English requirement for specific visa types.
Even if you are exempt from the visa English requirement, your university or employer may still require IELTS as part of their own admissions/hiring process.
SELT Test Centres: Where to Take IELTS for UKVI
IELTS for UKVI must be taken at an approved SELT (Secure English Language Test) centre. Not all IELTS test centres are SELT-approved.
How to Find a SELT Centre
- Visit the UK government's list of approved SELT centres
- Filter by your country and city
- Book through the British Council or IDP website (specify UKVI when booking)
What Happens at a SELT Centre
- Enhanced identity verification (biometric checks, photo ID)
- Video recording of the entire test session
- Stricter invigilation than standard IELTS
- Your Speaking test may be video-recorded
- All results are electronically shared with UKVI
IELTS Life Skills Explained
IELTS Life Skills is a completely separate test from the full IELTS. It is only for specific UK visa requirements.
| Feature | IELTS Life Skills A1 | IELTS Life Skills B1 |
|---|---|---|
| Skills tested | Speaking and Listening only | |
| Duration | 16-18 minutes | 22 minutes |
| Result | Pass or Fail (no band score) | |
| Used for | Family visa (initial application) | ILR, settlement, citizenship |
| Format | Discussion with an examiner and another candidate | |
| Cost | £145–160 | |
| Results time | 7 days | |
Professional Registration Requirements
If you plan to work in a regulated profession in the UK, the professional body sets its own IELTS requirements, which are often higher than the visa minimum.
| Professional Body | Profession | IELTS Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council) | Nurses, midwives | Overall 7.0 (min 7.0 in each component) |
| GMC (General Medical Council) | Doctors | Overall 7.5 (min 7.0 in each component) |
| GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council) | Pharmacists | Overall 7.0 (min 7.0 in each component) |
| GDC (General Dental Council) | Dentists | Overall 7.0 (min 7.0 in each component) |
| HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) | Various health professions | Varies by profession (typically 6.5–7.0) |
| RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) | Surveyors | Overall 6.5 |
NMC Requirement: The NMC requires 7.0 in EVERY component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) with no single component below 7.0. This is one of the highest IELTS requirements for any profession. Use our Band 7 tips guide to prepare.
IELTS Score Validity for UK Visas
Your IELTS score must be within 2 years of the test date when you submit your UK visa application. The Home Office will not accept expired scores.
- The 2-year validity starts from the test date, not the results date
- Your score must be valid on the date you submit your application
- If your application is delayed, your score may expire during processing — this is generally acceptable as long as it was valid at submission
- For detailed validity information by country, see our dedicated guide
Tips for Preparing for IELTS UKVI
- Book the right test. Make sure you book "IELTS for UKVI" (Academic or General Training as required), not standard IELTS.
- Book at a SELT centre. Only results from SELT-approved centres are accepted for UK visa applications.
- Check both visa AND institution requirements. You need to meet the higher of the two.
- Consider computer-delivered IELTS for faster results (3-5 days vs 13 days).
- Plan your timeline. Allow time for a potential retake. Book your first attempt at least 3-4 months before your visa application deadline.
- Know which module you need. Student visa = Academic. Work/settlement = Academic or General Training. Read our Academic vs General Training comparison.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Taking standard IELTS instead of UKVI. The results are not accepted for visa applications.
- Not booking at a SELT centre. Even if you take IELTS for UKVI, it must be at an approved centre.
- Meeting the visa minimum but not the university minimum. Many students score 5.5 (visa minimum) but their university requires 6.5.
- Letting the score expire. Processing times can be long. Ensure your score will still be valid when you apply.
- Confusing IELTS Life Skills with IELTS. They are different tests for different purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
IELTS for UKVI is the version of IELTS approved by the UK Home Office for visa applications. The test content is identical to standard IELTS, but it must be taken at an approved SELT centre with additional security measures including video recording.
The visa minimum is IELTS 5.5 overall for degree-level study and 4.0 for below degree-level. However, your university will likely require a higher score (typically 6.0-7.0). You must meet both requirements.
For the visa application itself, you generally need IELTS for UKVI. However, universities that are Student visa sponsors can accept standard IELTS for their own admissions process. Check with your specific institution and visa requirements.
IELTS Life Skills is a shorter test assessing only Speaking and Listening. It gives a Pass or Fail result (no band score). It is used for Family visas (A1 level), ILR, settlement, and citizenship applications (B1 level).
IELTS for UKVI costs approximately £200-220, slightly more than standard IELTS (£185-195). IELTS Life Skills costs around £145-160. Prices vary by test centre and location.
You need at least IELTS 4.0 in each component (B1 level) for a Skilled Worker visa. However, if you are registering with a professional body (e.g., NMC for nursing requires 7.0 overall), you must meet their higher requirement as well.
Summary: Choosing the Right IELTS for Your UK Visa
| Your Situation | Test You Need | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| Applying to a UK university | IELTS Academic for UKVI | 5.5 (visa) + university requirement |
| Skilled Worker visa | IELTS Academic or GT for UKVI | 4.0 in each component |
| Healthcare Worker visa | IELTS Academic for UKVI | 4.0 (visa) + professional body requirement |
| Spouse/partner visa (initial) | IELTS Life Skills A1 | Pass |
| ILR / Settlement | IELTS Life Skills B1 or IELTS for UKVI | Pass (Life Skills) or 4.0+ (IELTS) |
| British citizenship | IELTS Life Skills B1 or IELTS for UKVI | Pass (Life Skills) or 4.0+ (IELTS) |
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