IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration
IELTS for UKVI tests are accepted by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English if you want to live, work, or study in the UK.
The following tests are used by the UKVI:
- IELTS for UKVI
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1
The UKVI will only accept tests taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre, as UKVI requires an additional layer of security when taking language tests.
What score do I need for UKVI visa applications?
The score you will need for UKVI applications, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend on the visa you are applying for. (Visit GOV.UK for further guidance on proving your English language abilities).
- For visas that require CEFR level A1, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 test (Listening and Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level A2, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 test (Listening and Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level B1 in two skills, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 test (Listening and Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level B1 in four skills, you need to get at least an IELTS score of 4.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level B2 you need to get at least an IELTS score of 5.5 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- For visas that require CEFR level C1 you need to get at least an IELTS score of 7.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
The UK government requires you to achieve the scores above in every component of your test. Understand your IELTS score and see how IELTS helps you to prepare.
IELTS test requirements for UKVI visas
Information shared on this web page is collated from the government website and is correct at the time of publication. To confirm your requirements, please refer to the government website or your receiving organisation.
Live in the UK
British citizenship
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: British citizenship overview
Indefinite leave to remain
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain overview
Family route
Indefinite leave to remain (UK family)
- Minimum CEFR level required: A1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Indefinite leave to remain (UK family) overview
Family visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: A1 (first application), A2 (when extending permission to stay), B1 (for settlement)
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Family visa overview
Ancestry visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1 (for settlement)
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Ancestry overview
Work in the UK
Health and Care Worker visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B2 (B1 for those already on the route before 8 January 2026 and merely extending permission to stay)
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Health and Care Worker visa overview
International Sportsperson visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: A1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: International Sportsperson visa overview
Minister of Religion visa (T2)
- Minimum CEFR level required: B2
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Minister of Religion visa (T2) overview
Representative of an Overseas Business visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: A1
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Representative of an Overseas Business visa overview
Skilled Worker visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B2 (B1 for those already on the route before 8 January 2026 and merely extending permission to stay)
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa overview
Scale-up Worker visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B2 (B1 for those already on the route before 8 January 2026 and merely extending existing permission to stay)
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Scale-up Worker visa overview
Innovator Founder visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B2
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Innovator Founder visa overview
High Potential Individual (HPI) visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B2 (for all new applicants, effective from 8 January 2026)
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: High Potential Individual visa overview
Global Talent visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1 (for settlement only)
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Global Talent visa overview
Domestic Workers visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1 (for settlement only)
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Overseas Domestic Workers visa overview
Study in the UK
If you're studying with a Higher Education Provider, please visit GOV.UK: Student visa overview.
Student visa
Below degree level
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 4.0 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Student visa overview
Degree level or above
- Minimum CEFR level required: Equivalent to B2
- Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS or IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
- GOV.UK: Student visa overview
Graduate visa
- No requirement
Other routes
Global Talent visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1 (for settlement only)
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Global Talent visa overview
Domestic Workers visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1 (for settlement only)
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Overseas Domestic Workers visa overview
Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1 (for settlement only)
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: British Nationals Overseas visa overview
Private Life visa
- Minimum CEFR level required: B1 (for settlement only)
- Components: Listening and Speaking
- Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 – Pass
- GOV.UK: Private Life visa overview
For information on UKVI ID requirements on test day, visit GOV.UK: Prove your identity on the day of the test.
