IELTS tests are accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English proficiency for those wishing to live, work, or study in the UK.
IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration must be taken in person at an official IELTS test centre.
Make sure that the test centre you book with offers IELTS UKVI (Academic), IELTS UKVI (General Training) and IELTS Life Skills testing. UK Visas and Immigration requires an additional layer of security when taking IELTS tests.
IELTS for a Tier 4 Student Visa (without a presessional)
If you are applying for a Tier 4 Student Visa to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, at a university that is a Tier 4 Sponsor, you must meet the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results.
Tier 4 Student Visa applicants can apply to the UK universities on this list with an IELTS result. Please check with the institution you are applying to for their exact requirements.
Find your nearest IELTS for UKVI test location
IELTS test requirements for UKVI visas
Live in the UK
British citizenship
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: British citizenship overview
Family route
Indefinite leave to remain (UK family)
- Minimum CEFR level required: A1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain (UK family) overview
Family visa (extension)
- Minimum CEFR level required: A2
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Family visa (extension) overview
Indefinite leave to remain
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain overview
Work in the UK
Health and Care Worker visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 4.0 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Health and Care Worker visa overview
Innovator Founder visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B2
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Innovator Founder visa overview
International Sportsperson visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: A1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: International Sportsperson visa overview
Minister of Religion visa (T2)
- Minimum CEFR level required: B2
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Minister of Religion visa (T2) overview
Representative of an Overseas Business visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: A1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Representative of an Overseas Business visa overview
Skilled Worker visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum score of 4.0 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa overview
Study in the UK
If you're studying with a Higher Education Provider please visit GOV.UK: Student visa overview.
Student visa
Below degree level
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 4.0 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Student visa overview
Degree level or above
- Minimum CEFR level required: Equivalent to B2
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS or IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Student visa overview
IELTS for UKVI Academic online
In some countries we offer the option of taking the IELTS for UKVI Academic test online. Check if this option is available when you book your test.