IELTS for UKVI - Academic and General Training The IELTS UKVI Academic and General Training tests are suitable for you if you’re applying for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas to the United Kingdom. IELTS for UKVI tests are designed to meet specific administrative requirements outlined by the UK Home Office and are taken at a UKVI approved test centre. The actual test taken is the same as IELTS tests for all other purposes and includes the same: content, format, scoring and level of difficulty. Test Report Forms will be slightly different in order to show that you have taken the test at an UKVI approved test centre.
Find out which UKVI score you need for your visa The IELTS test you take – and the score you need – will depend on both your visa requirements and/or the requirements of the institution where you plan to study or work.
Which IELTS test do I need? Visa description
Minimum CEFR level required
Skills
IELTS test and minimum scores required
Tier 1 (General visa)
C1
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
IELTS for UKVI 7.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent visa)
B1
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
IELTS for UKVI 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur visa)
B1
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
IELTS for UKVI 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur visa)
B1
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
IELTS for UKVI 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 2 (General visa) - in most cases
B1
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
IELTS for UKVI 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 2 (Sportsperson visa)
A1
Speaking and Listening
IELTS Life Skills A1 - Pass IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening
Tier 2 (Minister of religion visa)
B2
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
IELTS for UKVI 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 4 (General student visa) below degree level and presessional courses
B1
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
IELTS for UKVI 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills
Tier 4 (General student visa) degree level and above
B2
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
IELTS/IELTS for UKVI 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills
Family route:
A1
Speaking and Listening
A2
Speaking and Listening
IELTS Life Skills A1 - Pass IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening IELTS Life Skills A2 - Pass IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening
Spouse/partner Parent of a dependent
Family route (extension):
Spouse/partner Parent of a dependent
Indefinite leave to remain (to settle) or citizenship
(Available only in the UK.) B1
Speaking and Listening
IELTS Life Skills B1 - Pass IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening