IELTS for UKVI - Types (Life Skill Test and UKVI)

IELTS for UKVI: International applicants who wish to study, live, or work in the United Kingdom are required to demonstrate their English language proficiency. The IELTS for UKVI is one of the tests accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The full form of IELTS UKVI is International English Language Testing System for United Kingdom Visas and Immigration. The IELTS UKVI has two main types: IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) and IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, B1). Here, we have provided a detailed insight into IELTS exam for UKVI for work, study, or family visas in the UK. 

Explore IELTS Online Courses

IELTS for UKVI

IELTS for UKVI stands for International English Language Testing System for UK Visas and Immigration. It checks your level of English based on the visa you are applying for.

There are two main kinds of tests:

• IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training): This test includes Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

• IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, B1): This test is only for Speaking and Listening.

You must take the test in person at an official test centre. Online or remote tests won’t count for visa purposes.

Difference Between IELTS and IELTS UKVI Exams

Which Test Should You Take?

Different UK visas require different test levels. These levels are based on something called the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Here’s a simple guide:

Work in the UK

For those applying under a work route, the full four-skill test is typically required.

• Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker Visa

• You need to take the IELTS for UKVI

• Score at least 4.0 in all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

• CEFR level: B1

• Innovator Founder or Minister of Religion Visa

• You need to take the IELTS for UKVI

• Score at least 5.5 in each skill

• IELTS CEFR level: B2

• International Sportsperson or Representative of an Overseas Business

• Take IELTS Life Skills A1

• You only need to pass

• CEFR level: A1

Click Here to Explore PW IELTS Online Courses

Live or Settle in the UK

If you are applying for citizenship, or a family visa, you may only need to demonstrate Speaking and Listening skills.

• British Citizenship or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

• Take IELTS Life Skills B1

• You only need to pass

• Skills tested: Listening and Speaking

• CEFR level: B1

• Family Visa (First time or extension)

• First-time visa: Take IELTS Life Skills A1

• Extension visa: Take IELTS Life Skills A2

• You only need to pass

• CEFR levels: A1 or A2

CEFR Level to IELTS Score Comparison - Know Here

Study in the UK

The level of study you intend to pursue will determine the required CEFR level and test format.

• Studying Below Degree Level

• Take IELTS for UKVI (Academic)

• Score at least 4.0 in all skills

• CEFR level: B1

• Studying at Degree Level or Higher

• Take IELTS for UKVI (Academic) or regular IELTS (Academic)

• Score at least 5.5 in all skills

• CEFR level: B2

Key Points to Remember

When preparing for your application, it is important to consider a few final details to avoid delays or rejections.

• Make sure you choose the right test type for your visa.

• Take your test at a UKVI-approved centre.

• Online or at-home tests won’t be accepted.

• You must meet the minimum score in each skill, not just the overall score.

• Only certain test centres offer IELTS for UKVI, so check availability early.

IELTS for UKVI helps candidates to prove their English language skills to live in different setting in the UK. Therefore, choosing the right IELTS UKVI test is very important to your study abroad journey to the United States.  With the right preparation and test choice, you will be one step closer to your goal, of studying, or living in the UK.

Guidance of PW IELTS

Physics Wallah offers a few popular online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the latest IELTS articles to start your preparation for the exam.