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:

Test

IELTS for UKVI on computer or paper

IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 and B1

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.

Currently we do not offer IELTS tests for Visas and Immigration in Argentina.

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.

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 
 
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

Health and Care 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 of 5.5 in each of the four components
 
International Sportsperson visa
Minimum CEFR level required: A1
Components: Listening and Speaking
Test and minimum scores required: IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 – Pass
 
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
 
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
 
Skilled 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
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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

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
 
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
 
Graduate visa
  • No requirement

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
 
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

External links