IELTS for UKVI

IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration

IELTS for UKVI tests are accepted by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English if you want to live, work, or study in the UK.

The following tests are used by the UKVI:

• IELTS for UKVI

• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1

• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2

• IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1

The UKVI will only accept tests taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre, as UKVI requires an additional layer of security when taking language tests.

What score do I need for UKVI visa applications?

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. (Visit GOV.UK for further guidance on proving your English language abilities ).

• For visas that require CEFR level A1, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 test (Listening and Speaking).

• For visas that require CEFR level A2, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 test (Listening and Speaking).

• For visas that require CEFR level B1, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 test (Listening and Speaking).

• For visas that require CEFR level B1, you need to get at least an IELTS score of 4.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).

• For visas that require CEFR level B2 you need to get at least an IELTS score of 5.5 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).

• For visas that require CEFR level C1 you need to get at least an IELTS score of 7.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).

The UK government requires you to achieve the scores above in every component of your test. Understand your IELTS score and see how IELTS helps you to prepare.

IELTS for UKVI One Skill Retake will be temporarily unavailable

Please be advised that One Skill Retake for IELTS for UKVI will be temporarily unavailable between 5 June and 6 August 2025 due to system upgrades.

If you take your IELTS for UKVI test after 6 April, this means you need to sit your One Skill Retake for IELTS for UKVI before 4 June 2025.

One Skill Retake for IELTS for UKVI tests will resume from 7 August.

Please note that this temporary pause of One Skill Retake applies to IELTS for UKVI tests only.