UK visas and settlement
IELTS for UKVI
- English level
- CEFR B2
- Book
- IELTS for UKVI
- You need
- 5.5 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
If you had this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it, B1 is enough and you do not prove it again.
IELTS for UKVI scores by CEFR level
| CEFR level | Score you need |
|---|---|
| B1 | 4.0 in each skill |
| B2 | 5.5 in each skill |
| C1 | 7.0 in each skill |
IELTS for UKVI and IELTS
- Who accepts it
- UK Visas and Immigration, as a secure English language test (SELT).
- Where
- In person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre, which adds the security UKVI requires. Not online.
- Versions
- IELTS for UKVI Academic and General Training (four skills), and IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1, A2 and B1 (Listening and Speaking).
- Scores
- Every skill must reach the level, not just the overall band.
- Results
- 1 to 5 days on computer on ielts.org; some IDP pages give 13 days, so ask your centre. You can get 2 Test Report Forms when applying to UKVI.
IELTS for UKVI fees
| Country | IELTS | IELTS for UKVI |
|---|---|---|
| India | INR 19,000 | INR 19,250 |
| Pakistan | PKR 75,600 to 76,240 | PKR 78,820 |
| Nigeria | NGN 299,000 | NGN 315,500 |
| Kenya | KES 41,580 | KES 44,840 |
| Egypt | EGP 10,200 | EGP 11,500 |
In the UK, each centre shows its fee when you book.
Next
Questions people ask
What is the difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?
IELTS for UKVI is the version UK Visas and Immigration accepts as a secure English language test (SELT). You take it in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre, which adds the extra security UKVI requires. It comes in Academic and General Training versions.
Do I need IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Academic for a UK Student visa?
At degree level, IELTS lists either IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI at 5.5 in each skill, and your university can assess your English itself, so follow its offer letter. Below degree level you need a SELT such as IELTS for UKVI.
What IELTS for UKVI score do I need for a Skilled Worker visa?
B2: at least 5.5 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. If you had the visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending it, B1 is enough and you do not need to prove it again.
Can I take IELTS for UKVI online?
No. UKVI only accepts tests taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre.
How long do IELTS for UKVI results take?
1 to 5 days on computer, on ielts.org, though some IDP pages still give 13 days, so ask your centre if your date is tight. IELTS for UKVI Life Skills takes up to 9 days.
What is IELTS Life Skills?
A separate Listening and Speaking test at A1, A2 or B1, marked pass or fail. It is the IELTS test for family visas and for settlement and citizenship.
Does the score have to be in every skill?
Yes. The UK government requires the score in every component of the test, not as an overall band.
Sources
- 1IELTS, IELTS for UKVIChecked 13 October 2026.
- 2IELTS, IELTS for UK Visas and ImmigrationChecked 13 October 2026.
- 3GOV.UK, prove your English with a secure English language test (SELT)Checked 13 October 2026.
- 4GOV.UK, Skilled Worker visa: knowledge of EnglishChecked 13 October 2026.
- 5GOV.UK, Student visa: knowledge of EnglishChecked 13 October 2026.
- 6IELTS, getting and sharing your resultsChecked 13 October 2026.
- 7IELTS, ways to take IELTSChecked 13 October 2026.
- 8IDP IELTS, get your IELTS resultsChecked 13 October 2026.
- 9IDP IELTS India, IELTS test fee 2026Checked 13 October 2026.
- 10IDP IELTS Pakistan, test dates and feesChecked 13 October 2026.
- 11IDP IELTS Nigeria, test dates and feesChecked 13 October 2026.
- 12IDP IELTS Kenya, test dates and feesChecked 13 October 2026.
- 13IDP IELTS Egypt, test dates and feesChecked 13 October 2026.