The IELTS partners no longer offer IELTS for UKVI on paper in the United Kingdom since 2 November 2024. Test takers can still take IELTS for UKVI on computer in the United Kingdom. IELTS for UKVI on computer offers results within 1-5 days and is available throughout the week, offering test takers great availability.
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 (Academic or General Training) | £220 |
| IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1, A2, B1 | £155 |
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). This test is only available in the UK.
- 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.