UKVI IELTS For 2024 – IELTS Requirement For UK Visa & Immigration

If you are planning to study, work or move to the UK, you may need to appear for UKVI IELTS. The IELTS for UK visa and immigration(UKVI) is one of the Secure English language tests (SELT) that is approved by the UK Home Office. 

This implies that you can use your IELTS score to prove your English language abilities to support UK visa and immigration applications. 

Since the UK is primarily an English-speaking country, the government checks how well you can read, write, understand and speak english. All UK institutions accept the IELTS for UKVI.

Key Highlights:

In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about IELTS UKVI and how it differs from regular IELTS exams.

Difference between IELTS and IELTS UKVI Test

The UKVI IELTS is the same as that of a regular IELTS exam, which assesses your English language proficiency in 4 sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. 

Both tests have the same content, format, level of difficulty, and scoring pattern. However, there are some notable differences:

• Test Centres: You can take the UKVI IELTS exam only at the SELT-approved centre. The UK government follows certain extra security measures before approving the IELTS test centres. This is done in order to ensure the authenticity of the applicant.

• Test Report Form (TRF): The TRF for UKVI IELTS includes additional security features and indicates that the test was taken at a SELT-approved centre.

Notably, there are different types of tests within UKVI IELTS that you can appear for depending on the score requirement. 

Eligibility of UKVI IELTS

The eligibility requirements for the UKVI IELTS are the same as for regular IELTS tests. You can take the test regardless of your age or qualifications. However, if you are under 18, you must provide a letter of consent from your guardian.

Additionally, IELTS has a strict policy requiring a valid passport to take the test. Your passport will be used as proof of identity throughout the registration process and on test day. Without a valid passport, you will not be able to take the exam.

Also Read: IELTS Test Center

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Tests Approved for UK Visa & Immigration

The IELTS test that one appears for and the score will vary on one’s visa requirements and the requirements of the establishment that one intends to work or study.

Here are the various IELTS tests that fall under the list of approved SELTs and are accepted for UK visa and immigration applications. 

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About UKVI IELTS Academic & General Test

IELTS UKVI tests have been formulated to meet particular administrative requirements laid down by the UK government. Interested applicants can sit for these tests at the designated UKVI test centres.

The UKVI IELTS Academic and General Training tests are usually meant for those who plan to apply for Innovator, Skilled Worker, Minister of Religion, Start-up, or Student visas. 

Interestingly, the IELTS UKVI Academic and General Training test is the same as that of regular IELTS. However, the test report forms are usually a bit different as it shows that applicants have appeared for the test from a designated test centre approved by SELT. 

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Life Skills Test

IELTS Life Skills is a new set of tests that is UKVI-approved. The test is designed for the specific purposes:

• If you wish to join a relative, spouse or partner already settled in the UK.
• If you are currently residing in the UK and wish to get British citizenship.
• If you aspire to obtain permanent residency in the UK.

IELTS Life Skills is a single test that covers speaking and listening skills, with a duration of around 20 minutes. The fee for this test is INR 16,050.

The test is part of the UK Home Office list of SELT that are available at CEFR levels A1, A2 and  B1. Each level serves a different purpose.

• IELTS Life Skills A1
• IELTS Life Skills A2
• IELTS Life Skills B1

Unlike our other tests, IELTS for UKVI Life Skills doesn’t use a scoring system. Instead, you will receive either a Pass or a Fail result based on your performance. A Pass indicates that you can proceed with your visa application, while a Fail means the test cannot be used for this purpose as more preparation is required.

This test will assess the everyday communication of the applicants in an English-speaking nation, and the topics will be as follows:

• Family and friends
• Personal experiences
• Working, Training, and education
• Transport, healthcare, housing, and more
• Purchasing goods
• Leisure, travel, and weather

An examiner will assess the Speaking and Listening skills of a candidate on the basis of the following:

• Gathering information
• Participating in discussions
• Speaking for communication
• Conveying information

Here’s a detailed overview of the different types of IELTS Life Skills and the type of tasks one needs to carry out:  

Note: There is no restriction on the number of times you can take the IELTS Life Skills test. However, if you pass the test, you won’t be allowed to retake the test at the same level for a period of two years.

IELTS Test Score Requirement for UK Visas

If you’re applying to study at UK University, then aim for a band score of 6.0 or higher. However, the score requirement may vary depending on the university.

Most universities expect applicants to achieve a minimum IELTS UKVI score of at least 6.0 for UG and 6.5 for PG. Some courses may have higher or lower IELTS UKVI score requirements compared to the general institutional standards.

Applicants applying for a UK visa under any of the categories have to compulsorily secure a specific score in IELTS to support their visa application. 

This tabular representation shows the minimum IELTS score that one needs to obtain different UK visas.

IELTS Life Skills

Each skill level (A1, A2, B1) have an IELTS Equivalent score, as given in the table below.

IELTS UKVI Registration Process

IELTS for UK Visa and Immigration is managed jointly by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. Students who are planning to move to the UK through IELTS UKVI can register for SELT-approved tests either offline or online.

Online Registration

Registering for UKVI IELTS online is a highly convenient process that involves the following steps:

1. First, visit the official website of IELTS and create an account by providing necessary personal information such as a valid email ID, contact number, and others.
2. Now, log in to your profile.
3. Next, choose the type of test that you wish to appear for. It can be either IELTS UKVI or IELTS Life Skills. 
4. After this, look for a suitable test date. You must remember that getting a preferred test date is usually subject to availability. Hence, it is advised to book a test at least 3 months beforehand. Typically, the Speaking section takes place 7 days before or after the assigned test date.
5. Carefully enter the candidate details on the online application form. Make sure to recheck the information before submission.
6. If required, apply for additional TRFs in case you wish to send your IELTS score to more than the allowed number of institutions. 
7. Once completed, proceed to make the payment. The fees have to be paid either through Netbanking or by credit/debit cards. The test fee for IELTS UKVI is INR 17,250, while that of the IELTS Life Skills test is INR 16,050.

Offline 

You can also register for UKVI IELTS offline. All you have to do is download the registration form from the official IELTS website and fill it out accordingly. 

Once you’ve done this, submit it to the nearest IELTS branch office. For offline registration, you can pay the fee either through a demand draft or bank deposition. 

Read more about IELTS Registration 2024.

UKVI IELTS Test Dates

The UKVI IELTS test dates may vary across the 3 versions of the test and can differ depending on the test centre you choose. 

The test dates are usually available within 28 days of booking.  It is advisable to check the official IELTS website for the most up-to-date information on test dates based on the test centre you choose.

Here are the test dates for UKVI IELTS:

IELTS UKVI General Training: Month-Wise 

IELTS for UKVI Academic: Month-Wise

IELTS Life Skills: Month-Wise

Note: Test slots fill up quickly! Book your test date and centre( approximately 6 to 8 weeks in advance) to allow yourself enough preparation time. 

Also Read: Upcoming IELTS Test Dates 2024

 IELTS UKVI Test Location & Results

The tests are available across the country in centres that are approved by the SELT. Notably, UKVI does not accept test results from centres that are not officially designated or approved. Hence, applicants should make sure to sit for a UKVI IELTS test session. 

The test results for IELTS UKVI and IELTS Life Skills are released in 13 days and 7 days, respectively. Notably, the test results cannot be checked online. It is sent to the postal address that one provides at the time of application. 

Moreover, one should clarify at the time of the test that they intend to use the test score for a UK visa application.

Also Read: IELTS Test Centres in the UK

Crucial Tips for IELTS

Being a highly competitive test, IELTS can be quite challenging. However, students can use the following tactics while preparing for the test to achieve the desired score band:

Learn about the test format 

It is necessary to understand the test format before you start with the preparations. Make sure to check the test format, question patterns, and the syllabus of the test so that you can familiarise yourself with the test. 

Go for a Practise Test

You should opt for practice tests while preparing for IELTS to develop your familiarity with the test and also to identify your strengths and drawbacks. This will help you work on your weaknesses and build upon your areas of strength.

However, if you are unable to improve your skills and abilities through repeated attempts, you can opt for expert guidance. One of the most effective ways to prepare is to choose an IELTS preparation course.

Work on your English Abilities

Since IELTS is an English language proficiency test that assesses the candidate’s language abilities, it is essential to develop and sharpen your skills and abilities in English. 

Make sure to read English magazines, journals, novels or communicate with native English speakers. Learn new words to enrich your vocabulary and try to use them in sentences to improve your writing and speaking skills. 

Moreover, you can work on improving your fluency to obtain a high score band in the Speaking and Listening test.

Improve your Time Management Skills

 IELTS tests are conducted under a particular time limit. You need to prepare for each section under timed conditions so that you can become familiar with the pace of the test. 

Each section of the test has to be completed within a time frame, and if you are unable to complete it within the time limit, you will end up with a lower score band.

Conclusion

Understanding the requirements and test options for the UKVI IELTS is essential if you’re planning to study, work, or move to the UK. Depending on your needs, you might take the Academic or General Training test or one of the Life Skills tests. Being well-informed about the eligibility criteria and test formats can increase your chances of success.

Remember that the UK government has specific regulations and security measures for these tests. Adhering to their guidelines is crucial for taking the exam.

Overall, the UKVI IELTS plays a key role in obtaining visas and proving your English language skills for those looking to settle in the UK. Thorough preparation and a strategic approach can help you ace the exam.

If you are facing difficulty preparing for the UKVI IELTS exam, then you can reach out to Leap Scholar counsellors. They will guide you about everything related to the IELTS exam.