IELTS for UK Spouse Visa 2026: Complete Requirements Guide
Applying for a UK spouse or partner visa? You will likely need to prove your English language ability. This guide explains exactly which IELTS test you need, the required level, exemptions, and how to prepare for IELTS Life Skills.
Critical: You need IELTS Life Skills, NOT regular IELTS Academic or General Training. Using the wrong test will result in a visa refusal.
Which IELTS Test Do You Need?
| Visa Stage | Test Required | Level | Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial spouse/partner visa | IELTS Life Skills A1 (UKVI) | CEFR A1 | Speaking & Listening only |
| Extension (2.5 years) | IELTS Life Skills A1 (UKVI) | CEFR A1 | Speaking & Listening only |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | IELTS Life Skills B1 (UKVI) | CEFR B1 | Speaking & Listening only |
| British Citizenship | IELTS Life Skills B1 (UKVI) | CEFR B1 | Speaking & Listening only |
IELTS Life Skills is a pass/fail test, not a band score. You either pass at the required level or you do not. The test takes approximately 16-22 minutes.
Who is Exempt?
You do not need to take IELTS if you meet any of these criteria:
- National of a majority English-speaking country: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and others listed by UKVI
- Hold a degree taught or researched in English from a university recognised by UK ENIC (formerly NARIC)
- Over 65 years old
- Physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement (medical evidence needed)
- Exceptional circumstances that prevent you from taking the test before entering the UK
How IELTS Life Skills Works
A1 Level Test
- Duration: 16-18 minutes
- Format: 2 candidates + 1 examiner
- Phase 1: Listen to short recordings, answer questions
- Phase 2: Discuss a topic with the other candidate
- Result: Pass or Fail
- Results: 7 days
B1 Level Test
- Duration: 18-22 minutes
- Format: 2 candidates + 1 examiner
- Phase 1: Listen to recordings, discuss with partner
- Phase 2: Plan something together with partner
- Result: Pass or Fail
- Results: 7 days
Cost and Booking
- Cost: Approximately GBP 150-170 (varies by centre)
- Where to book: Only through official IELTS for UKVI test centres (IDP or British Council)
- Availability: Multiple dates per month at most UK centres; also available abroad
- ID required: Valid passport (the same one you will use for your visa application)
- Results: Available within 7 days, valid for 2 years
Important: You must book at a UKVI-approved test centre. Regular IELTS test centres may not offer IELTS Life Skills. Check the UKVI approved test list at GOV.UK.
Preparation Tips
IELTS Life Skills A1 is not difficult if you have basic conversational English. Here is how to prepare:
- Practise everyday conversations: Introducing yourself, asking and answering questions about daily life, giving opinions
- Listen to English daily: BBC Radio, podcasts, YouTube videos at a basic level
- Practise with a partner: The test involves talking with another candidate, so practise having conversations
- Learn to ask for clarification: "Could you repeat that?" and "What do you mean by...?" are useful in the test
- Take a practice test: Official IELTS Life Skills practice materials are available on the IELTS website
Frequently Asked Questions
IELTS Life Skills is pass/fail. For initial spouse visa, you need to pass at A1 level. For ILR, you need to pass at B1 level. There are no band scores.
No. For UK spouse visa, you must take IELTS Life Skills. IELTS Academic and General Training are for study and work visas, not family visas.
IELTS Life Skills results are valid for 2 years from the test date. Make sure your result is still valid when you submit your visa application.
You can retake the test as many times as needed. There is no waiting period. Book another test date and try again.
It is the applicant (the person coming to the UK) who needs to prove English, not the sponsor. If the applicant is from a majority English-speaking country, they are exempt.
Related Resources
Key Facts
- Test type Life Skills ONLY
- Initial visa A1 level
- ILR / Citizenship B1 level
- Format Pass/Fail
- Cost ~GBP 150-170
- Valid for 2 years