Do you need to prove your English language level for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) application?

IELTS is on the UKVI list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT). If you need an IELTS test result as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), you will need to take your test at a specific test location authorised by UKVI.

Please also view our Speaking Up Policy here. Please note: if you are applying for a Tier 4 student visa for a program of study at degree level or above at a Higher Education Institution, you should check the English language requirement of your chosen institution, as most institutions do not require a SELT for this purpose.
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IELTS Academic for UK Visas and Immigration

This test is for test takers wishing to study in the UK below degree level or others who are required to take a SELT test for a direct application to UK Visas and Immigration. The test involves Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

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IELTS General Training for UK Visas and Immigration

This test is for test takers wishing to migrate to the UK or those wishing to train or study below degree level, who need to make a direct application to UK Visas and Immigration. The test involves: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

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IELTS Life Skills A1

This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for Family, Spouse or Partner visa.

  • The A1 level is within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the equivalent to ESOL Entry 1 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
  • The test involves Speaking and Listening

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IELTS Life Skills B1

This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for citizenship/settlement visa.

  • The B1 level is within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and is the equivalent to ESOL Entry 3 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
  • The test involves Speaking and Listening

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Check what score you need

If this is not what you are looking for, please visit our pages about IELTS for all other purposes.

Visit IELTS Website www.ielts.org 

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