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All You Need to Know About UKVI IELTS

Apr 11, 2023

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What is UKVI IELTS?
 

UKVI stands for United Kingdom Visa and Immigration, and the UKVI IELTS is backed by this department. This English proficiency test is apt for candidates who are applying for the following:

  1. Tier 2 general work visa - innovator, start-up, or skilled worker
  2. Tier 4 general student visa - any student
  3. Tier 2 visa - Minister of Religion

UKVI IELTS tests are specifically designed to meet administrative requirements and criteria set by the UK home office, and have to be taken at a test centre approved by the UKVI. The main test is similar to a general IELTS examination, and has the same format, scoring, and difficulty level. Only difference is that the report showcases that the test has been taken at a test centre approved by UKVI. 
 

Types of UKVI examinations

There are three varieties of UKVI IELTS examinations, namely Academic, General, and a new version called Life Skills examination.

The IELTS Academic examination is required by students for admission in any university, while the General Training IELTS examination is required for migration purposes. The Life Skills examination is a new test added by the UK government, and has three parts called A1, A2, and B1. IELTS Life Skills are evaluated in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Type of examinationDetails
IELTS Academic Examination
  1. The UKVI IELTS examination is predominantly for students who wish to study in the UK
  2. The primary objective of this examination is to test if the student can manage in an academic environment
UKVI IELTS General Training
  1. UKVI IELTS General Training is designed to focus on basic survival skills in a diverse job setting
  2. Similar to a standard IELTS exam
  3. UKVI IELTS test includes speaking, writing, listening, and reading
UKVI IELTS Life Skills
  1. UKVI exam should be taken by people who wish to acquire a specific visa to enter the UK
UKVI IELTS Life Skills A1
  1. UKVI Life Skills A1 examination is taken by international company executives, athletes, and family members who need to prove proficiency in English
UKVI IELTS Life Skills A2
  1. This examination is taken to prove English speaking and listening skills
  2. Examination is taken for family extension visa
  3. Examination can only be taken in the UK
UKVI IELTS Life Skills B1
  1. UKVI IELTS Life Skills B1 examination is taken by people who want to stay in the UK indefinitely

 

Difference between general IELTS and UKVI IELTS

There are a few key differences between the general IELTS and the UKVI IELTS examination. 

ParameterGeneral IELTSUKVI IELTS
Test reportRegular reportDifferent from a normal IELTS test report as it contains the name of the UKVI approved centre
Mode of examinationThis examination is computer basedUKVI IELTS examination is computer based and has extra security to ensure candidate authenticity 
Examination feeThe fee for regular IELTS examination is INR 14,700

UKVI IELTS Fee:

  1. Academic and general: Rs. 15,100
  2. Life Skills: Rs.13,940
Band score6.5 or moreUKVI IELTS band score: More than 4.0 in speaking and listening
Eligibility All candidates who are applying from a non-English speaking country to an English speaking countryUKVI IELTS is taken by candidates who wish to move to the UK in the pursuit of study, work, or migration

 

UKVI IELTS score required as per the visa

The minimum score required against the UKVI IELTS depends on the kind of visa needed. The basic scores are:

Visa TypeMinimum CEFR level requiredMinimum score required
Tier 1 General VisaC1UKVI IELTS 7.0 score overall and in each four skills - Reading, writing, listening, and speaking, minimum 7.0
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) VisaB1UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall and at least 4.0 in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) VisaB1UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in each skills
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) VisaB1UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in each skills
Tier 2 General VisaB1UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in all the four skills
Tier 2 or a Sportsperson VisaA1
  1. IELTS Life Skills at A1- pass score
  2. UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in each of the four skills
Tier 2 or Minister of Religion VisaB2UKVI IELTS 5.5  score overall, and minimum 5.5  in all the four skills
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa - below degree and pre-sessional courseB1UKVI IELTS 4.0  score overall, and minimum 4.0 in all the four skills
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa - degree level and aboveB2UKVI IELTS 5.5 score overall, and minimum 5.5 in all the four skills

Family route for:

  1. Wife or partner 
  2. Dependant’s parent
A1
  1. IELTS Life Skills at A1- pass score
  2. UKVI IELTS 4.0 in speaking and listening

Family route (extension) for:

  1. Wife or partner
  2. Dependant’s parent
A2
  1. IELTS Life Skills at A2- pass score
  2. UKVI IELTS 4.0 in speaking and listening
Indefinite leave to remain or citizenshipB1
  1. IELTS Life Skills- pass score
  2. UKVI IELTS 4.0 in speaking and listening skills


Conclusion

UKVI IELTS is an important examination that has to be taken by any international candidate who wishes to study or work or stay in the UK. This examination is designed in accordance with the requirements of the UK Government’s Home Office. However, any individual who is going to the UK on a short term visa is not required to take the UKVI IELTS. Some summer school programs, diplomas, and master degrees fall under this category.

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