Q: How is my IELTS test different if I take it for UK visa purposes?

UK visa applicants must ensure that they register for an ‘IELTS for UKVI’ test date at one of the UKVI locations. The IELTS test for UK visa purposes is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specific to UK Visas and Immigration. There are no differences in the test format or questions. The actual test taken is the same – same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on. Test Report Forms, however, will be slightly different in order to show that test takers have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session. IELTS for the UK

Question 1

Who needs the IELTS?

Accepted Answer

You may need IELTS for entry into study programmes in institutions such as schools, colleges and universities. Also, if you are looking to work, migrate or register with professional bodies, you may need to take the IELTS test.

Find out more about who takes the IELTS and some of the reasons why people choose IELTS.

Question 2

Do I have to take IELTS in my home country?

Accepted Answer

No, you can sit the IELTS test anywhere in the world, provided you have a valid passport with you.

Find my nearest test centre

Question 3

If I sit IELTS in a different country, will it be easier?

Accepted Answer

IELTS is an international test, and every version of the test is the same level of difficulty, no matter where in the world you take the test. We suggest you take the test wherever you feel most at ease and select a Test Centre that suits you. Use the Australian Test Centre search to browse Test Centres in your city based on your needs (close to public transport, small test rooms etc.)

Question 4

I am a native English speaker, do I still need to take an IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

Whether you need an IELTS test or not depends on your reason to sit the test. If you are enrolling for higher studies/courses/training, the University/school/workplace might ask for an IELTS test score. As part of the migration process, you might have to provide the IELTS scores with your visa application.

We strongly recommend that even if you are a native English speaker, you prepare for the IELTS test and become familiar with the test format. Knowing what to expect on test day is essential, and if you are not familiar with the test you may make avoidable mistakes. We also recommend you become familiar with the assessment criteria to fully understand how the examiner will mark your test.

Download the IELTS Preparation Guide to help you get ready for test day.

Question 5

I have an accent – will that impact my IELTS test result?

Accepted Answer

IELTS is an international test, and we accept your accent wherever in the world you’re from. When you sit your Speaking test, remember that your pronunciation is important – however, you will not lose marks for speaking with an accent. A variety of accents will also be used during the Listening test.

Question 6

Do I need to know about a specific subject to take the test?

Accepted Answer

IELTS measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work where English is used as a language of communication.
The IELTS test assesses your abilities in the English language through 4 components – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The test covers a range of subjects within the item contents, but you are not being tested on these subjects.

Question 7

What level of English do I need before I can sit the IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

IELTS tests are designed to assess test takers from beginner through to advanced levels. However, the test is aimed at test takers with a level of intermediate and above.

Question 8

Do I have to study at an English language school before I sit the IELTS test?

Accepted Answer

You might not have to study at an English language school, however, you may consider practising with the IELTS preparation materials which will familiarize you with the types of questions you will be asked in the test and to get your best possible score.

Question 9

Do I need computer skills to take the IELTS on computer test?

Accepted Answer

You do not need any special computer skills. Please note that a QWERTY keyboard is used for the IELTS on computer test. If you are not used to this type of keyboard, it may help to practice with one before you take the test. Don’t worry if you can’t type fast enough, the computer test is designed for people with normal typing skills.
Learn more about the IELTS on computer test

Question 10

How is my IELTS test different if I take it for UK visa purposes?

Accepted Answer

UK visa applicants must ensure that they register for an ‘IELTS for UKVI’ test date at one of the UKVI locations.
The IELTS test for UK visa purposes is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specific to UK Visas and Immigration. There are no differences in the test format or questions. The actual test taken is the same – same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on.
Test Report Forms, however, will be slightly different in order to show that test takers have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session.

IELTS for the UK

Question 11

If I take an IELTS test for UK visa purposes, can I use my result in other countries/for other purposes?

Accepted Answer

You can use your results in most countries and for different purposes but before you book your test, it's good to check what the IELTS requirements are for your application.

IELTS test results are accepted by over 12,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, colleges, governments and employers.

Question 12

Where can I take an IELTS or IELTS Life Skills test for a UK visa application?

Accepted Answer

The tests are available throughout the world, in locations specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You must confirm at the time of registration that you wish to use your test result for a UK visa application.
You must sit the test in an ‘IELTS for UKVI’ test session, as UKVI will not accept results from other testing locations.

Question 13

How old do I need to be to take IELTS?

Accepted Answer

IELTS is not recommended for anyone under the age of 16.
If you want to book an IELTS test and are under 18 years of age, you will need to supply written consent by a parent or guardian in order to book your test successfully.

Question 14

What happens when you apply for special consideration?

Accepted Answer

First, have a look at here for more information on what we offer test takers that require additional help during the test.

If you think you require special consideration, please get in touch with your test centre.

The test centre may ask you for a medical certificate from a specialist - a letter from a medical doctor that outlines why you require special arrangements, and what those arrangements should be. Sometimes there is a requirement that this document is recent (ie. that is no more than 2 years old). It should also be written in English.

Upon receiving your documentation, the test centre will investigate what accommodations IELTS can offer. Sometimes, we have to seek support from Cambridge University Press & Assessment in the UK, one of the co-owners of IELTS.

When we have made a decision, we will let you know what arrangements we can offer.

The test centre will also let you know when you can book your test.

Please note: in some cases, special requirements may take up to 3 months to organise.

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IELTS General training

IELTS for UKVI

IELTS One Skill Retake

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Grammar 101: Understanding verb tenses

Who can take IELTS?