IELTS for UK Visa 2026: UKVI Scores, SELT Requirements & Approved Test Centres
The UK visa system uses a unique approach to English language testing. Unlike other countries, the UK requires a special version of IELTS called IELTS for UKVI, taken at approved SELT test centres. This guide explains every test type, score requirement, and visa pathway so you can choose the right test and prepare effectively.
Understanding UK IELTS Test Types
The UK system has three distinct IELTS products. Choosing the wrong one is one of the most common and costly mistakes applicants make:
| Test Type | Format | Purpose | Where to Take It | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic for UKVI | Full 4-skill test (L, R, W, S) | Student visas, professional registration | SELT centres only | £200-£210 |
| IELTS General Training for UKVI | Full 4-skill test (L, R, W, S) | Skilled Worker, ILR, citizenship | SELT centres only | £200-£210 |
| IELTS Life Skills | Speaking & Listening only | Spouse/Partner visa, ILR | SELT centres only | £150-£160 |
| Standard IELTS | Full 4-skill test | University admission (if uni accepts it directly) | Any IELTS centre | £175-£185 |
IELTS Life Skills Explained
IELTS Life Skills is a unique test format designed specifically for UK visa applicants who need to demonstrate basic English ability. It is fundamentally different from standard IELTS:
Life Skills A1
- For initial Spouse/Partner/Family visa
- Tests Speaking and Listening only
- Duration: approximately 16-18 minutes
- Pass/Fail result (no band score)
- Topics: basic personal information, everyday situations
- Taken with another candidate and an examiner
Life Skills B1
- For Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and citizenship
- Tests Speaking and Listening only
- Duration: approximately 22 minutes
- Pass/Fail result (no band score)
- Topics: expressing opinions, discussing plans, everyday scenarios
- Taken with another candidate and an examiner
IELTS Requirements by UK Visa Type
Each UK visa has specific English language requirements. The table below shows what you need for every major visa category:
| Visa Type | CEFR Level | Test Required | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Visas | |||
| Skilled Worker | B1 | IELTS for UKVI (Academic or GT) | 4.0 in each component |
| Health & Care Worker | B1 | IELTS for UKVI (Academic or GT) | 4.0 in each component |
| Global Talent | N/A | Not required | N/A |
| Scale-Up Worker | B1 | IELTS for UKVI | 4.0 in each component |
| Student Visas | |||
| Student (degree level) | B2 | IELTS Academic for UKVI* | 5.5 in each component |
| Student (below degree) | B1 | IELTS Academic for UKVI | 4.0 in each component |
| Pre-sessional English | Varies | IELTS Academic for UKVI | Set by institution |
| Family Visas | |||
| Spouse/Partner (initial) | A1 | IELTS Life Skills A1 | Pass (no band score) |
| Spouse/Partner (extension) | A2 | IELTS Life Skills A2 | Pass (no band score) |
| Settlement | |||
| Indefinite Leave to Remain | B1 | IELTS Life Skills B1 or IELTS for UKVI | Pass or 4.0 all components |
| British Citizenship | B1 | IELTS Life Skills B1 or IELTS for UKVI | Pass or 4.0 all components |
*Many UK universities are licensed to assess English themselves and may accept standard IELTS Academic (not the UKVI version) directly. Always check with your chosen institution.
Spouse/Partner Visa: The English Progression
The UK spouse visa route has a unique step-by-step English requirement that increases as you progress toward settlement:
| Stage | When | English Level | Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Initial Application | Applying from outside UK | A1 (basic) | IELTS Life Skills A1 |
| 2. First Extension | After 2.5 years in UK | A2 (elementary) | IELTS Life Skills A2 |
| 3. ILR Application | After 5 years in UK | B1 (intermediate) | IELTS Life Skills B1 |
| 4. Citizenship | After 6+ years (1 year post-ILR) | B1 (intermediate) | IELTS Life Skills B1 |
CEFR to IELTS Band Score Mapping
The UK visa system uses the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels. Here is how IELTS band scores map to CEFR levels:
| CEFR Level | IELTS Band Score | Description | UK Visa Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 2.0-2.5 | Beginner / Basic | Spouse visa initial application |
| A2 | 3.0-3.5 | Elementary | Spouse visa extension |
| B1 | 4.0-5.0 | Intermediate | Skilled Worker, ILR, Citizenship |
| B2 | 5.5-6.5 | Upper Intermediate | Student visa (degree level) |
| C1 | 7.0-8.0 | Advanced | Professional registration (medical, etc.) |
| C2 | 8.5-9.0 | Proficient / Expert | Not typically required |
Note: For IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1), the CEFR level is assessed through the pass/fail format, not through band scores. You do not receive a numerical band score for Life Skills tests.
Cost Comparison: Standard IELTS vs IELTS for UKVI
Taking the UKVI version costs more due to enhanced security requirements. Here is a breakdown of typical costs in 2026:
| Test | Approximate Cost (UK) | Approximate Cost (Overseas) | Results Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | £175-£185 | Varies by country | 3-5 days (computer), 13 days (paper) |
| IELTS General Training | £175-£185 | Varies by country | 3-5 days (computer), 13 days (paper) |
| IELTS Academic for UKVI | £200-£210 | Varies by country | 3-5 days (computer), 13 days (paper) |
| IELTS GT for UKVI | £200-£210 | Varies by country | 3-5 days (computer), 13 days (paper) |
| IELTS Life Skills A1 | £150-£160 | Varies by country | 7 days |
| IELTS Life Skills B1 | £150-£160 | Varies by country | 7 days |
Approved SELT Test Centres
IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills must be taken at Secure English Language Test (SELT) centres approved by UK Visas and Immigration. Key facts about SELT centres:
Enhanced Security
SELT centres have additional security measures including biometric registration, video recording of speaking tests, and secure test materials handling. These measures ensure the integrity of results used for immigration purposes.
Finding a Centre
Search for approved SELT centres on the official IELTS website (ielts.org) or the UK government website (gov.uk). Not every IELTS test centre is a SELT centre. In some countries, there may be fewer SELT centres than standard IELTS centres, so book early.
Booking Tips
SELT centre test dates may be less frequent than standard IELTS. Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (September-November for student visas). Confirm your test date aligns with your visa application timeline.
Common Mistake
The most common mistake is taking standard IELTS at a regular test centre and then discovering it is not accepted for your UK visa application. Always verify that you are booking IELTS for UKVI at a SELT centre before paying.
Preparation Tips by Visa Type
Your preparation strategy depends on which visa you are applying for and the required CEFR level:
For Skilled Worker Visa (B1 / IELTS 4.0+)
IELTS 4.0 in all components is a relatively low bar. Focus on:
- Basic listening comprehension: understanding main ideas in everyday conversations
- Reading simple texts and identifying key information
- Writing short, simple responses with basic grammar
- Speaking about familiar topics with reasonable clarity
For Student Visa (B2 / IELTS 5.5+)
This requires intermediate-level English. Focus on:
- Academic listening: understanding lectures and discussions
- Reading academic texts with some speed and comprehension
- Writing structured essays with clear argumentation (see our band scores guide for detailed criteria)
- Speaking fluently about abstract topics with some complexity
For Life Skills (A1 or B1)
This test focuses entirely on speaking and listening:
- Practise everyday conversations: ordering food, asking for directions, discussing plans
- Be prepared to speak with another candidate, not just the examiner
- Practise listening to and understanding simple announcements and instructions
- For B1: be ready to express opinions and discuss abstract topics at a basic level
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
UK Key Facts
- Test type IELTS for UKVI
- Skilled Worker B1 (4.0 all)
- Student visa B2 (5.5 all)
- Spouse visa Life Skills A1
- ILR/Citizenship B1
- Valid for 2 years