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IELTS for UKVI (IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration)
What is IELTS for UKVI？
IELTS test and score required for UK visa applications
If you need an IELTS test for UK visa applications, you can only take them at a UKVI approved IELTS test centre. IDP Education Hong Kong is a UKVI approved test centre and we offer all the approved IELTS tests for UK visa applications. Before you book your test, we strongly recommend that you check with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on the test that you will be required to submit for your application.
What’s the difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?
IELTS and IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)are the same in content, format and scoring. However, please note that video recording is in place at registration and testing rooms including the speaking test and Test Report Forms will provide a unique UKVI number due to visa requirement for IELTS for UKVI.
UKVI approved IELTS tests for different UK Visas:
IELTS for UKVI (Academic)
Students who would like to study a pre-sessional or foundation program, applying for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Visa, would need to take a UKVI approved IELTS for UKVI test.
Students who would like to study for a study for a bachelor or postgraduate degree, applying for a Student route visa, are required to meet the English language level set by the institution. With Student route applications you do not need to take the IELTS test under UKVI specified conditions, unless your institution requires you to do so.
IELTS for UKVI (General Training)
Those who would like to migrate to the UK or study programs that are below degree level, applying for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa, would need to take a UKVI approved IELTS for UKVI test.
Please check with the institution that you are applying to for their admission requirement. For more please visit the UK government website.
>>>More on IELTS on Paper or Computer
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 & A2
Those who would like to migrate to the UK, applying for ‘family of a settled person’ visa, would need to take a UKVI approved IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 or A2 test.
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1
Those who would like to migrate to the UK, applying for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship, would need to take a UKVI approved IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1.
>>> Latest IELTS for UKVI Test Date
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IELTS score for different UK Visas:
Visa Description | Minimum CEFR Level Required | Skills | IELTS Test & Minimum score required overall & in each skill |
|---|---|---|---|
Tier 1 (General) visa | C1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | IELTS - 7.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | IELTS - 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | IELTS - 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | IELTS - 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 2 (General) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | IELTS - 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa2 | A1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | IELTS - 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills1 |
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa | B2 | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | IELTS - 5.5 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Student route - below degree level (Please read the important note on Student route.) | B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | IELTS - 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Student route - degree level and above and including some pre-sessional courses3(Please read the important note on Tier 4 student visa.) | B2 | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | IELTS - 5.5 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Family of a settled person visa | A1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI Life Skills at A1 - Pass4 IELTS – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
Indefinite leave to remain (to settle) or citizenship5 | B1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI Life Skills at B1 - Pass IELTS – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
1 Both Academic and General Training are accepted. The CEFR requirement for each skill must be met.
2 IELTS is accepted by UKVI at band scores 4.0 and above, equivalent to CEFR level B1.
3 Universities on UKVI’s list of Student route Sponsors decide which exams to accept when a SELT is not required, and these may include IELTS taken at any of the 1000+ IELTS test locations.
4 IELTS can be used where IELTS for UKVI Life Skills is used; candidates would need to get 4.0 or above in Speaking and Listening (scores for Reading and Writing will be ignored).
5 Currently, UKVI will also accept an Ofqual regulated test for this category. The test must cover Speaking and Listening at B1 level.
Please note that these changes do not affect the use of IELTS by people from the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland and 'majority English speaking countries' as defined by the UK Home Office (https://www.gov.uk/english-language).
*For most updated information, please refer to official UK government website
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IELTS Examination Venue
IDP Education IELTS tests are generally held in hotels, schools and conference centers. The venues are mostly located on Hong Kong Island (including: Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay, etc.) and Kowloon (including: Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, etc.).
Disclaimer: It is the responsibility of the test taker to register for the right type of test (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI, Life Skills A1 or Life Skills B1). The test centre cannot be held responsible for an incorrect selection.
Please Note
We have noticed some online advertisements on several social media sites claim to provide services for IELTS test takers, such as registering for IELTS, collection of results and making arrangements for a re-mark of the test. We advise all potential IELTS test takers to avoid using such services that are not directly affiliated to IELTS.
Once you’ve submitted your IELTS application, it’s time to start preparing. Learn tips, get sample tests, past papers, and more from IDP. We even offer 30 days of free online practice to get you better prepared for your examination.
If you have any questions, require special arrangements, or anything else, please speak to your test centre team. They will be more than happy to assist you in any way regarding the IELTS registration and application, as well as information about the test day.
Please read "Notice to Test Takers: Special precautionary measures on Test Day"