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 |
| Innovator | B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | IELTS for UKVI 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Start-up | B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | IELTS for UKVI 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Skilled Worker (formerly known as Tier 2 General work visa) | B1 | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | IELTS for UKVI 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Minister of Religion (T2) | B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | IELTS for UKVI 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
|
Student (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) - Degree level or above If you’re studying at degree level or above, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) can assess your level of English themselves. This means they may ask you to do a different test. This must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2. |
Equivalent to B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | IELTS/IELTS for UKVI 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
|
Student (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa) - Below degree level |
B1 | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | IELTS for UKVI 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
|
Sportsperson (T2) |
A1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills A1 - Pass IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
|
Representative of an Overseas Business |
A1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills A1 - Pass IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
|
Family Route; Spouse/partner; Fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner; Parent of a dependent |
A1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills A1 - Pass IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
|
Family Route (extension); Spouse/partner; Parent of a dependent |
A2 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills A2 - Pass IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
|
Settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain) |
B1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills B1 - Pass IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
|
Citizenship |
B1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills B1 - Pass IELTS for UKVI - 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
The guidance on our site is for information only. Please check the GOV.UK website for the most up-to-date information.
Please note that both General and Academic Training modules are accepted. The CEFR requirement for each skill must be met.
IELTS for UKVI can be used where IELTS Life Skills is used; test takers would need to get 4.0 or above in Speaking and Listening (scores for Reading and Writing will be ignored).
If you’re studying at degree level or above and applying for a Student visa, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) can assess your level of English themselves. This means they may ask you to do a different test. This must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2.