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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, 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, 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

  • British citizenship Family route
    • Family visa (extension)
    • Minimum CEFR level required:A2
    • Components: Listening and Speaking
    • Test and minimum scores required:IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 – Pass
    • GOV.UK: Family visa (extension) overview
  • Health and Care Worker visa
    • 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: Health and Care 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
    International Sportsperson visa 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 Skilled Worker visa
    • Minimum CEFR level required: B1
    • Components:Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
    • Test and minimum scores required:IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum score of 4.0 in each of the four components
    • GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa overview
  • If you're studying with a Higher Education Provider please refer to the 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 for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
    • GOV.UK: Student visa overview

IELTS test explained

IELTS test explained

  • IELTS for UKVI is an officially approved English Language Test recognised by the UK government. It allows you to demonstrate your proficiency in English while applying for a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) IELTS is reappointed as a language test trusted by the UK government for visas. For UKVI, three types of IELTS tests are available: Academic, General training, and Life Skills. Each of these is discussed below:
    • IELTS Academic - This test is for individuals who wish to study at Undergraduate or Postgraduate levels and also for those who want a professional registration in the UK.
    • IELTS General Training - This is for individuals who want to migrate to the UK under certain visa categories and also for those who want to study for a course below the degree level.
    • IELTS Life Skills A1 - This test is for those who want to apply for “family of settled person” visas.
    • IELTS Life Skills A2 - This test is for those individuals who want to apply for an extension to family or spouse visas.
    • IELTS Life Skills B1 - This test is for individuals who want an indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.
  • The IELTS test is available throughout the year, with up to 4 monthly test dates, totalling 48 fixed test dates for IELTS on Paper and 3 times a day and 7 days a week for IELTS on Computer annually. To find out the exact dates and availability for IELTS for Life Skill test:
    • Visit the official websites of the IDP IELTS India to access the online search tool where you can check test dates for IELTS and IELTS Life Skills by location.
    • Select your nearest or most convenient test centre and view their schedule to find a date that works for you
    • Remember to register in advance as slots can fill up quickly, especially in busy periods or in larger cities.
  • IELTS Life Skills is a test for those who need to prove their English Speaking and Listening skills to acquire a UK VISA and is available at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A1 and B1. It is designed to meet the requirements of UKVI for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes.
    • IELTS Life Skills A1: If you are applying for a ‘family of a settled person’ visa
    • IELTS Life Skills B1: If you are applying for an ‘indefinite leave to remain or citizenship' visa
  • To register for any type of IELTS exam, you can visit the IDP IELTS India website or visit your nearest IDP branch. You will need to select your preferred test type, location, and date. IDP IELTS has test centres in 80+ cities across India. Registering in advance is recommended to secure your desired test date and time.
  • Get in touch with the nearest IDP service provider center at the numbers given below:
    • Ahmedabad: +91 79 44118888
    • Amritsar: +91 183 5093888
    • Bangalore: +91 80 44118888
    • Chandigarh: +91 172 4411888
    • Chennai: +91 44 33018888
    • Coimbatore: +91 422 4411888
    • Delhi: +91 11 44118888
    • Gurgaon: +91 124 4445999
    • Hyderabad: +91 40 44118888
    • Jalandhar: +91 181 4411888
    • Kochi: +91 484 4411888
    • Ludhiana: +91 161 4411888
    • Mumbai: +91 22 44118888
    • Mumbai2: +91 22 44118888
    • Pune: +91 20 44118888
    • Vadodara: +91 265 2324606
    • Vijayawada: +91 866 2454888,+91 866 2488990 or Email ielts.india@idp.com
  • Choose IELTS Academic if you're planning to study at a university or join a professional association where English is a prerequisite. Choose IELTS General Training if you aim to pursue secondary education, work or undertake training programs, or migrate to an English-Speaking country.

Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking test

  • Focus on enhancing your Listening skills across various accents, practice with timed tests, and learn to multitask between Listening and answering questions efficiently. You can also consider practicing from the online preparation material available on our official IDP IELTS India website.
  • The Listening test is the same for both the IELTS Academic test and the IELTS General Training test. The test lasts for 30 minutes. You will need to answer 40 questions in response to four recordings. 
    • Recording 1: A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context
    • Recording 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities 
    • Recording 3: A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment
    • Recording 4: A monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture
  • Develop a wide-ranging Reading habit, practice skimming and scanning techniques, and consistently test yourself with IELTS-style questions to improve speed and accuracy. You can also practice with the preparation materials available on our official IDP IELTS India website.
  • Your Writing is assessed on task response, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy through two tasks: one involves describing visual information, and the other is an essay response.
  • Understand the criteria used for scoring, practice Writing tasks within the time limits, and focus on clear, well-structured responses. Practice as much as possible with the mock tests available on the IDP IELTS India website.

IELTS One Skill Retake

  • One Skill Retake (OSR) is specifically for IELTS on Computer. IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) allows you to retake one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) if you are not stratified and think that you can score better. You should take your IELTS One Skill Retake test within 60 days of your original test. Check your OSR eligibility by logging into your candidate portal.

IELTS Scores

IELTS Results

  • The overall IELTS Band Score is the average of the marks of four sections, rounded to the nearest whole or half band. The sectional scores are weighted equally. If the average of the sections ends in 0.25 or 0.75, the overall IELTS Band Score is rounded up to the next half band or the next whole band, respectively. If the average, however, ends with a fraction below .25 or .75, the overall score is rounded down. Click here to know in detail.
  • Candidates may apply for a re-mark (Enquiry on Results). This must be done within six weeks of the test date. The candidate may choose which modules are to be re-marked. The fee will be refunded if the result is changed. A re-mark can take two (2) to twenty-one (21) days to be processed. Once the re-mark (Enquiry on Results) has been re-marked, the result is final and no other re-mark (Enquiry on Result) for the same test/s is permitted.
  • If a candidate has lost or damaged their TRF, we are unable to provide the candidate with another copy; however, we can forward a TRF to an institution/organisation on behalf of the candidate.
  • This form must be completed by the Candidate and the fee must be enclosed to enable processing. The Centre may send up to five additional TRFs to reorganisations. The centre may charge a postal fee for results sent internationally or by the courier as follows Preferred Mod of Dispatch: Ordinary Mail (Fee is Rs.400 (Four Hundred only)- (Inclusive of all taxes) Per college/ University/ Institution)/ courier (Fee is Rs. 1500 (Fifteen Hundred only) - (Inclusive of all taxes) Per College/ University/ Institution) (circle as appropriate) *Many STED RO's accepts electronic score only. To Know more Please call 1800 102 4544. **No Tracking reference number will be provided & IDP will not be responsible for TRF delivery. #All additional TRF will be processed within 7 to 10 working days from the date of submission.
  • If you wish to use an IELTS or IELTS Life Skills test result as a part of your application for UK visa purposes (apart from some types of student visa), you may need to take the test at an IELTS test centre which is specifically authorised by UK Visas and Immigration for this purpose, and the test must be taken under conditions specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You will receive an IELTS – or IELTS Life Skills – Test Report Form which shows that you have taken your test to meet the UKVI requirements.

Prepare for the IELTS test

  • Begin by understanding the test format and assessment criteria. Use IELTS preparation books and online materials to familiarise yourself with each test component.
  • Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions, use IELTS preparation books, and check your work against model answers.
  • Yes, it is possible! Achieving a 7.5 requires good English proficiency and strong test-taking skills. It’s a bit challenging but possible with thorough preparation.

Test day inquiry

  • On test day, bring your original passport, 2 copies of its first and last page, and the venue acknowledgment letter received at your registered email address. Take a screenshot of the letter and bring it with you.

Booking an IELTS test

  • Pen and Paper: Upon registration, you can select your Speaking test slot until 8 days before your WLR test date. Visit your login portal to choose. Slots are first-come, first-served; if full, IDP will assign based on availability. IELTS on Computer: Currently, Speaking slot selection isn't offered for IELTS on computer tests. The Speaking test will be scheduled on the LRW test day. Candidates will receive information regarding the Speaking date and time three days before the registered test date.
  • You can register for the IELTS test in any of the following manners: Option 1: Register online and pay the test fee
    • Log on to www.ieltsidpindia.com
    • Select the option "Register for IELTS" 
    • Select your test date and test city (you will see the seat availability status)
    • Complete the online application form
    • Pay the test fee using a valid credit card (Master / Visa) Learn more about how to register for the IELTS test.

Cancellation, refund, and re-take

  • Test date transfers (postponements and proponents) are permitted on the following grounds: Applicant forwards the request in Writing, along with their original proof of test payment to the below address: - IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd, - Global Gateway Towers, Tower-B, 5th Floor, - Sikanderpur Ghosi,Sector-26, - M.G. Road, Gurugram, - Haryana - 122002, India. - Tel: +91-124-444599. Only transfer requests that are received more than five weeks before the test date will be considered. Request for Transfer of Test Dates: An administrative charge of INR 4,250 (Four Thousand, Two Hundred Fifty Only) (inclusive of all taxes). The fee should be deposited in the IDP branch (Demand Draft or ICICI cash deposit slip or Credit Card/Debit Card Swipe) or should be couriered to the IDP Gurgaon office (Demand Draft or ICICI cash deposit slip). The demand draft should be drawn in favour of “IDP EDUCATION INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED”, payable in New Delhi. Transfer requests received within five weeks before the test date will not be considered. For more details, please refer to the Transfer/Cancellation Application Form available in the Downloads section. The decision of the test centre will be final and binding on the applicant. Allocation to the requested test date will be at the sole discretion of the test centre.
  • Under normal circumstances, you will be treated as an absentee. However, there are some special circumstances under which your application may be considered with some conditions. Please refer to the Transfer/Cancellation Application Form available in the “Downloads” section to access the policy guidelines/terms and conditions and form for such special circumstances. However, please be informed that the acceptance of your application is subject to approval by the test centre, whose decision will be final and binding.
  • Withdrawals/Cancellations are permitted on the following grounds: Applicant forwards the request in Writing, along with their original proof of test payment to the below address: IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd. Global Gateway Towers, Tower-B, 5th Floor, Sikanderpur Ghosi,Sector-26, M.G. Road, Gurugram, Haryana - 122002, India. Tel: +91-124-444599 Request for Transfer of Test Date - A request using the “Transfer, Cancellation Application Form” for transferring of test date (i.e. postponement or preponement) to another date must reach the centre at least five (5) weeks before the original test date. The allocation of the next test date will be at the sole discretion of the centre and subject to availability. Request for Transfer of Test Date (Computer-delivered IELTS) A request using the " Transfer, Cancellation Application Form " for transferring a test date (i.e. postponement or preponement) to another date must reach the centre at least three (3) weeks before the original test date. The allocation of the next test date will be at the sole discretion of the centre and subject to availability. An administrative charge will be applicable respectively for Computer Delivered IELTS test is INR 4,250 (four thousand two hundred fifty only) (inclusive of all taxes). An administrative fee will be applicable respectively for:
    • IELTS on Computer - 4,250
    • IELTS on Paper - 4250
    • IELTS on Computer for UKVI - 4300
    • IELTS Life Skills - 4,000
    • IELTS on Paper for UKVI - 4,300
    • IELTS on Computer (OSR) - 2825
    • One Skill Retake for IELTS on Computer for UKVI - 4300
  • There are no restrictions on retaking IELTS. You can register for a test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so. For IELTS Life Skills candidates ONLY - Candidates who have previously taken the IELTS Life Skills test and have passed are not allowed to re-take the test at the same level within two years. E.g.: a candidate who has taken an IELTS Life Skills A1 test and has passed cannot take another Life Skills A1 test within two years. Similarly, a candidate who has taken an IELTS Life Skills B1 test and has passed cannot take another Life Skills B1 test within two years.
  • Pen and Paper: After registration, you can select your Speaking test date and time online from available options. If you haven't chosen one by 8 days before the LRW test date, we'll assign one for you. Should you need to change your selected or assigned Speaking test date/time, email us at ielts.india@idp.com 2-3 days before the test. IELTS on Computer: Your Speaking test is scheduled on the same day as your LRW test. Currently, we do not offer the option for Speaking test date change in IELTS on Computer. However, you can request to transfer the entire test to a new date for valid reasons by emailing us at ielts.india@idp.com.

Login and account

  • Visit your login portal and select the Data Verification Sheet (DVS) option. Review all details, correct any errors, and upload your passport copy before submitting. Corrections are processed within 2 working days. If you've already submitted the DVS without correction or the submission deadline has passed, email us at ielts.india@idp.com.
  • Your login details are provided in the registration confirmation email. For forgotten details, use the 'Forgot Username' or 'Forgot Password' options in the 'Candidate login' section.

IELTS preparation planner

Get ready to get results

There are so many great ways to prepare for IELTS, which can help you to achieve your best on test day. By taking advantage of our step-by-step guide and planning well, you can boost your confidence and your score.

First steps

Register for the test: To find a test centre near you or to book your test, visit www.ieltsidpindia.com.

Set your ‘score goal’: Confirm the IELTS score required by your chosen university, institution, employer or organisation. Knowing your ‘score goal’ gives you a clear target to work towards. You can look up the criteria for each score here: ielts.idp.com/results/request-remark so you understand what you need to prepare for

Boost your English skills

The best way to succeed in any English language test is to improve your English. Here are two great ways to build your skills.

An English language course: This is one of the best ways to improve your English. The feedback you receive from your teacher will help you improve the specific skills involved in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking English.

An IELTS preparation course: This can help you familiarise yourself with the types of tasks included in an IELTS test. Ask your local IELTS test centre for more information about a preparation course near you.

Book your IELTS test and get FREE access to an online preparation course for 30 days!*

Use your English every day

Practice makes perfect, so use your English as much as you can well in advance of the test.

Listen: Listen to English language radio, television and film. You should try to listen to a variety of English accents including American, Australian, British, Canadian and New Zealand.

Read: Read English publications such as newspapers and magazines regularly.

Write: Write letters, emails or notes in English whenever possible.

Speak: Speak English with your friends and family.

Practise with sample questions

Free support tools

Free test sample: The free IELTS test sample gives you a chance to see sample test questions and practise your responses: www.ieltsidpindia.com/information/online-ielts-study-material.

Free IELTS on Computer practice materials: Know what to expect on the day with videos, FAQs and sample questions to help guide you through the IELTS on Computer Listening, Reading and Writing tests: www.ieltsidpindia.com/information/online-ielts-study-material

Additional support options

IELTS Progress Check: Take a full practise test, which gives you an indicative band score plus personalised feedback from an official IELTS marker — so you can identify your weaknesses and improve for the real test. You can practise anytime, anywhere: ieltsprogresscheck.com.

Official IELTS Practice Material books: Available in Volume 1 and Volume 2, the Official IELTS Practice Material books give you a chance to try sample questions. They include example responses and examiner comments to help guide you, plus there are CDs and DVDs to assist with the Listening and Speaking tests. These are available online or from your local test centre.

The day before the test

Recap on the rules: Re-read information provided by your test centre to ensure you understand the test format and rules.

Plan your journey: Ensure you know how to get to the test venue so that you arrive on time. Also get plenty of rest the night before your test to help you feel more relaxed on the day.

Test day

Allow time: Allow plenty of time to travel to the test venue to ensure you arrive on time.

Bring your passport/national identity card: Please make sure you bring the same identification that you provided on your IELTS Application Form, as we need to match these for you to be able to sit the test