UKVI IELTS: Check IELTS UKVI vs IELTS, Types, Score Required and UKVI Test Dates
UKVI IELTS must be taken if you want to study in the UK or apply for professional registration. It is a Secure English Language test (SELT) approved by the UK home office for visa applications to the United Kingdom. The Academic for IELTS UKVI test is the same as IELTS Academic test in terms of content, format, scoring, and level of difficulty. The UKVI test is only available at test centers that meet the requirements outlined by the UK Home Office.
You can take the test in the IELTS on paper or in computer format. Computer-delivered IELTS UKVI costs INR 17,250, and the IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) fee is INR 16,050. The minimum IELTS UKVI score for colleges, universities, or institutes of the UK for undergraduates is 5.5 band scores, and for postgraduates 6.5 band scores. The IELTS TRF (Test Report Form) is where the distinction lies. You will be given a unique SELT Reference Number for the IELTS for UKVI that you can use with the UK Home Office. The UKVI test is only available at test centers that meet the UK Home Office's administrative standards.
You should be aware that the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom both accept IELTS and IELTS for UKVI. As a result, doctors, dentists, nurses, and midwives can enter and register using either IELTS or IELTS for UKVI scores. The TRF will be different than the normal IELTS test. You will receive either a Pass or a Fail result depending on how you performed.
UKVI IELTS vs IELTS
There are multiple differences between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI like fees, TRF and eligibility for study in UK. IELTS for UKVI Life Skills is an English test for people who need to prove their English speaking and listening ability as part of a UK Visa and Immigration application (UKVI):
- if you want to remain with a relative, spouse or partner already living in the UK permanently
- if you are already living in the UK and want to make it your permanent home
- if you want to become a British citizen.
Before you register for your test you should check the English language requirements for your visa category. If you are in the UK, contact UK Visas and Immigration. If you are anywhere else in the world, you should contact the British Embassy or High Commission in your country.
IELTS UKVI Test Types
The IELTS tests below are included on the list of SELT tests and have been approved for UK Visas and Immigration purposes:
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic) | For test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration in the UK. |
| IELTS for UKVI (General Training) | For candidates wanting to migrate to UK and wishing to work or study below degree level. |
| IELTS Life Skills A1 | Candidates who need to prove their English Speaking and Listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for Sportsperson (T2), Representative of an Overseas Business, or Family (Spouse/partner; Fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner; Parent of a dependent) visas. |
| IELTS Life Skills A2 | For test-takers to prove their English Speaking and Listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for extension to Family visas (Spouse/partner or Parent of a dependent). (This test is only available in the UK) |
| IELTS Life Skills B1 | Applicants who want to prove their English Speaking and Listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for Citizenship or Settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain) visas. |
| IELTS Life Skills B2 | Applicants need B2 life skills for a Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa and Tier 4 General Student visa- degree level or above and some pre-sessional courses. |
IELTS UKVI Score Required
The score you will need for UKVI applications, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend on the visa you are applying for. You can apply to UK colleges and universities with this score.
| Visas Requiring | Score Required |
|---|---|
| CEFR level A1 | Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 test (Listening and Speaking) |
| CEFR level A2 | Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 test (Listening and Speaking) |
| CEFR level B1 | Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 test (Listening and Speaking) |
| CEFR level B1 | At least an IELTS score of 4.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) |
| CEFR level B2 | At least an IELTS score of 5.5 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) |
| CEFR level C1 | at least an IELTS score of 7.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) |
Other Requirements for UKVI
There are multiple other requirements for staying or extending your stay in UK. The requirements for a work visa in the UK also vary depending on IELTS registration. We have provided a table with the details for all UKVI types and their requirements.
| Visa Type | Minimum CEFR level required | Minimum score required |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 General Visa | C1 | UKVI IELTS 7.0 score overall and in each four skills - Reading, writing, listening, and speaking, minimum 7.0 |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa | B1 | UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall and at least 4.0 in each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa | B1 | UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in each skill |
| Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Visa | B1 | UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in each skill |
| Tier 2 General Visa | B1 | UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in all the four skills |
| Tier 2 or a Sportsperson Visa | A1 | IELTS Life Skills at A1- pass scoreUKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 or Minister of Religion Visa | B2 | UKVI IELTS 5.5 score overall, and minimum 5.5 in all the four skills |
| Tier 4 (General) Student Visa - below degree and pre-sessional course | B1 | UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in all the four skills |
| Tier 4 (General) Student Visa - degree level and above | B2 | UKVI IELTS 5.5 score overall, and minimum 5.5 in all the four skills |
| Family route for:Wife or partner Dependent’s parent | A1 | IELTS Life Skills at A1- pass scoreUKVI IELTS 4.0 in speaking and listening |
| Family route (extension) for:Wife or partnerDependent’s parent | A2 | IELTS Life Skills at A2- pass scoreUKVI IELTS 4.0 in speaking and listening |
| Indefinite leave to remain or citizenship | B1 | IELTS Life Skills- pass scoreUKVI IELTS 4.0 in speaking and listening skills |
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills
You will take the IELTS UKVI Life Skills with an examiner and with one other test taker. The test will take around 20 minutes. The tasks in IELTS for UKVI Life Skills are designed to reflect the everyday experience of communicating in a country where English is spoken. You will be expected to take part in short discussions on everyday subjects including:
- personal details/experiences
- family and friends
- buying goods
- work
- health
- leisure
- education/training
- transport
- housing
- weather.
The details of the IELTS Life Skills tests are:
| Test Type | IELTS Life Skills CEFR Level A1 |
|---|---|
| Test Duration | 16–18 minutes |
| Skills Assessed | Ability to extract information, convey information, communicate skills, and engage in discussion. |
UKVI Test Dates
IELTS and UKVI IELTS test dates are almost the same. There are a few extra dates where only IELTS test can be taken. To check the date and the availability, you must visit the IELTS IDP India website.
Steps to Select Test Date:
- Open the Website https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/
- Go to Register for IELTS > IELTS Test Dates
- Select the options “Select Test:, “Test Module” and “Test City” as per your preference
- Once you select and Click on “Book Now”, the details will show up.
- Select the one that you want to take
- Click on “Book Now” and follow instructions to book the test
UKVI IELTS is required for a candidate to get approved for UK Visa and Immigration. IELTS UKVI exam dates are available throughout the year. Candidates can select their suitable UKVI exam dates at their preferred location. You can take IELTS for UKVI for UK PR, work visa, and admission to top colleges and universities.
FAQs
Ques. What is UKVI IELTS?
Ans. UKVI IELTS is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam that is accepted by UK Visas and Immigration for visa applications to the UK. The UKVI IELTS is the same as the regular IELTS, which measures a candidate's English language proficiency in four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are identical in terms of content, format, difficulty level, and scoring system.
Ques. What is the difference between IELTS and UKVI IELTS?
Ans. The difference between IELTS and UKVI IELTS is that the latter is specifically designed for individuals who need to provide proof of their English language ability for visa purposes to the UK. IELTS UKVI is for candidates who want to study in the UK at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels, as well as those who want to be registered as professionals in the UK. There are various forms of IELTS for UKVI for various objectives. You must register for either type, depending on your needs.
Ques. Can I take the UKVI IELTS test for general purposes?
Ans. Yes, you can take the UKVI IELTS test for general purposes, but it is primarily intended for those who require the test as part of their visa application to the UK. You know be aware that the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom both accept IELTS and IELTS for UKVI. As a result, doctors, dentists, nurses, and midwives can enter and register using either IELTS or IELTS for UKVI scores.
Ques. Can I use my regular IELTS score for my UK visa application?
Ans. No, regular IELTS scores cannot be used for UK visa applications. You must take the UKVI IELTS test and receive the required score for your visa application. The minimum IELTS UKVI score for colleges, universities or institutes of the UK for Undergraduate Level is 5.5 band scores and for Postgraduate Level 6.5 band scores.
Ques. What is the required score for UKVI IELTS?
Ans. The required score for UKVI IELTS depends on the visa category and the level of English language ability required for that visa. You should check the specific requirements for your visa application. The minimum IELTS UKVI score for colleges, universities or institutes of the UK for Undergraduate Level is 5.5 band scores and for Postgraduate Level 6.5 band scores.
Ques. How often can I take the UKVI IELTS test?
Ans. You can take the UKVI IELTS test as many times as you need to achieve the required score for your visa application. However, you must wait for a minimum of 3 months between tests.
Ques. Where can I take the UKVI IELTS test?
Ans. You can take the UKVI IELTS test at any of the approved test centers that offer this specific exam. You should check the availability of the exam in your region and register accordingly.
Ques. Is the format of the UKVI IELTS test different from the regular IELTS test?
Ans. No, the format of the UKVI IELTS test is the same as the regular IELTS test, but it is administered under more secure conditions to ensure the authenticity of the test results.
Ques. Is the IELTS for UKVI difficult?
Ans. Yes, The UKVI IELTS exam can be difficult. It assesses language proficiency at a high level. However, The UKVI IELTS is the same as the regular IELTS, which measures a candidate's English language proficiency in four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Ques. What is 4.5 in UKVI IELTS?
Ans. Between IELTS bands 4 and 5, there is an IELTS band 4.5. With an IELTS band of 4, you are more at ease speaking with people in contexts you are familiar with and have a very basic understanding of the language. Using sophisticated terminology is challenging. You then have a restricted command of the language at an IELTS band 5.
Ques. What is the full form of UKVI?
Ans. United Kingdom Visas & Immigration (UKVI) is the full form of UKVI. General IELTS will no longer be accepted by UK universities and institutions. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) that has been certified by the UK government. As a result, IELTS can be used to demonstrate your English language skills in support of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.
Ques. Is UKVI compulsory?
Ans. Yes, General IELTS will no longer be accepted by UK universities and institutions. It is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) that has been certified by the UK government. As a result, IELTS can be used to demonstrate your English language skills in support of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.
Comments
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.
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. The UKVI IELTS test is as hard as the standard IELTS test. It follows the same format and the same procedure; there is no difference in the level of difficulty.