Posted on June 05 2024

Which IELTS exam is preferred for UK Immigration?

By
Anshul Singhal
, Editor

Updated June 05 2024

Which IELTS exam is preferred for UK Immigration?

The UK has its own IELTS for UKVI (UK visas and Immigration), a UK government-secured English Language Test (SELT). The IELTS test can prove the English language ability to migrate or work in the UK. The examination is designed as per the requirements of the UK government. The UKVI IELTS can be applied for:

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

* Want to ace your IELTS scores? Avail Y-Axis IELTS coaching services.

Types of UKVI IELTS Exams

The UKVI IELTS examinations are of three types: Academic, General, and Life skill examination. These three types of UKVVI IELTS have different purposes:

The UKVI IELTS Academic Examination: The UKVI IELTS Academic exam is for a student who wants to apply to any UK university.
THE UKVI IELTS General Examination: The UKVI IELTS General exam is for a student who wants to migrate to the UK.
THE UKVI Life Skills Examination: The UK government added this new test, which is divided into three parts: A1, A2, and B1.

Here are the details of the UKVI Examinations:

Type of examination	Details
IELTS Academic Examination	1. The UKVI IELTS examination is predominantly for students who wish to study in the UK
IELTS Academic Examination	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

UKVI IELTS score required for the UK visa

Here are the minimum score required for the UKVIS IELTS according to the visa:

Visa Type	Minimum CEFR level required	Minimum score required
Tier 1 General Visa	C1	UKVI IELTS 7.0 score overall and in each four skills - Reading, writing, listening, and speaking, minimum 7.0
UK Global Talent Visa	B1	UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall and at least 4.0 in each of the four skills
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa	B1	UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in each skills
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Visa	B1	UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in each skills
Tier 2 General Visa	B1	UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in all the four skills
Tier 2 or a Sportsperson Visa	A1	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 Visa	B2	UKVI IELTS 5.5 score overall, and minimum 5.5 in all the four skills
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa - below degree and pre-sessional course	B1	UKVI IELTS 4.0 score overall, and minimum 4.0 in all the four skills
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa - degree level and above	B2	UKVI IELTS 5.5 score overall, and minimum 5.5 in all the four skills
Family route for:	A1	1. IELTS Life Skills at A1- pass score
		2. UKVI IELTS 4.0 in speaking and listening
1. Wife or partner
2. Dependant’s parent

Family route (extension) for:	A2	1. IELTS Life Skills at A2- pass score
		2. UKVI IELTS 4.0 in speaking and listening
1. Wife or partner
2. Dependant’s parent

Indefinite leave to remain or citizenship	B1	1. IELTS Life Skills- pass score
		2. UKVI IELTS 4.0 in speaking and listening skills