The minimum IELTS score to get UK PR and work there  

As the UK is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, a heritage of good schools and an international business environment, people from all over the world strive to live and work there.

Are you planning to study, work and live in the UK? If so, you must be fluent in English as it is the country’s official language.

In order to qualify for UK PR and work visas, you’ll have to prove your proficiency in English by taking a specific type of IELTS known as the IELTS for UKVI.

The format of the test is the same as the regular IELTS test. However, the test report form will be slightly different and there are extra security protocols to ensure the test taker’s authenticity.

Read on to learn more about the UK IELTS requirements.

To Study In The UK

If your intention is to apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa to pursue a bachelor or postgraduate degree at a university that is a Tier 4 Sponsor, you must meet the English language level set by the institution.

In order to qualify, you must score at least 5.5 overall and in each of the following four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
 
To Work In The UK

If you’re looking to find a job in the UK, there are different work visas you can explore, depending on your specific situation.

Tier 1
There are two types of Tier 1 visas: Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur).

To qualify for the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa, you must score an overall 4 in reading, writing, speaking and learning and be setting up, taking over or actively involved in the running of a UK-based business.

If you’re a recent graduate looking to set up a business in the UK, then you can apply for the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Visa. You’ll be required to score an overall score of 4 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Tier 2

There are three types of Tier 2 visas: Tier 2 (General), Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) and Tier 2 (Sportsperson).

If you’re planning to work in the UK after studying, you can apply for the Tier 2 (General) visa. You’ll have to score an overall 4 in reading, writing, speaking and listening to qualify.

Thinking of working within a faith community? Whether you intend to work as a minister of religion, missionary or member of a religious order in the UK, you can apply for the Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa.

To be eligible, you’ll be required to get an overall score of 5.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

In the event that you’re able to significantly contribute to the development of sports at the highest level in the UK – be it as an elite sportsperson or coach – you can apply for the Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa.

Besides being established internationally at the highest level of your particular sport, you must score an overall 4 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

To Migrate To The UK

IELTS Life Skills is a single test that covers both speaking and listening skills. It is meant for those who need to prove their speaking and listening skills at Levels A1, A2 or B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

IELTS Life Skills A1
This test helps you prove your English speaking and listening skills as part of your application for a Family Visa, Spouse Visa or Partner Visa.

IELTS Life Skills B1
This test helps you prove your English speaking and listening skills as part of your application for a Citizenship/Settlement Visa.
 
Embark On Your Journey To Obtaining PR In The UK

If living and working in the UK has been on your mind, it’s time to turn those thoughts into actions!

At IDP, we have the tools to help you better prepare for your IELTS test so that you can get a better score and secure your future in the UK.

Should you have any further questions about the IELTS test, our team of education counsellors will be happy to answer them either in person or virtually.

Book your test and get one step closer to obtaining PR in the UK today!