Which IELTS test do I need for a UK visa?

For most UK visa applications, you need IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), not the standard Academic IELTS. IELTS for UKVI is specifically approved by the Home Office. The test format is the same, but it must be taken at a UKVI-approved test centre.

What IELTS score do I need for a UK spouse visa?

For a spouse visa, you need at least A1 level in speaking and listening for the initial application, A2 for the extension, and B1 for ILR. In IELTS terms, A1 is approximately band 4.0, A2 is approximately band 4.5, and B1 is approximately band 5.0 in speaking and listening.

How much does IELTS for UKVI cost?

IELTS for UKVI costs approximately £200 to £220 per test attempt. The exact price varies by country and test centre. This is more expensive than the standard Academic IELTS test.

How long is an IELTS result valid for a UK visa?

IELTS test results are valid for 2 years from the test date for UK visa purposes. If your result is older than 2 years at the time you submit your visa application, you will need to retake the test.

IELTS for UK Visa Applications: Which Test Do You Need?

For UK visa applications, you generally need IELTS for UKVI rather than standard Academic IELTS. The required level depends on your visa type: A1 for initial spouse visas, B1 for ILR and citizenship, and B2 for student visas. IELTS for UKVI costs around £200 to £220 and results are valid for 2 years.

IELTS vs IELTS for UKVI

There are two versions of IELTS relevant to UK immigration:

IELTS for UKVI: Specifically approved by the Home Office for visa applications. Must be taken at a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centre. This is the version you need for most immigration purposes.
Standard Academic IELTS: Accepted for student visa applications when the university accepts it as proof of English. Not accepted for other visa types.

The test format, content, and scoring are identical. The difference is that IELTS for UKVI is conducted at approved centres with additional security measures. Check the GOV.UK SELT page for approved tests and providers.

Required Scores by Visa Type

Different visa routes require different English levels. The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) is used, and IELTS scores map to CEFR levels:

Spouse visa (initial): A1 in speaking and listening. Spouse visa English guide.
Spouse visa (extension): A2 in speaking and listening.
ILR: B1 in speaking and listening. English for ILR guide.
Citizenship: B1 in speaking and listening. English for citizenship guide.
Skilled Worker visa: B1 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Student visa: B2 or higher, as required by the institution.

For a comparison of all accepted English tests, see our English tests guide.

Booking and Taking the Test

Find a test centre: Book IELTS for UKVI through the official IELTS website. Only centres listed as SELT-approved are valid for visa purposes.
Choose your test date: Tests are available throughout the year. Book well in advance as popular centres fill up quickly.
Pay the fee: Approximately £200 to £220.
On test day: Bring your passport (the same one you will use for your visa application). The test takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Receive results: Results are available online after 13 calendar days. A Test Report Form (TRF) is posted shortly after.

Exemptions

You may be exempt from the IELTS requirement if:

You are a national of a majority English-speaking country.
You have a degree taught or researched in English (for some visa types).
You are over 65 (for some applications, at the Home Office's discretion).
You have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from taking the test.

For full details on exemptions, see our English exemptions guide.

Alternatives to IELTS

IELTS is not the only accepted test. Other approved SELT providers include:

Trinity College London: GESE and ISE exams. Popular for speaking and listening tests. See our B1 vs B2 comparison.
LanguageCert: Offers online SELT tests, which can be more convenient.
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI: Computer-based test with quick results.

See our accepted English tests guide for a full list.

Preparing for IELTS

Free resources: The British Council and IELTS websites offer free practice tests and study materials.
Practice speaking: The speaking test is a face-to-face interview. Practice with a partner or tutor.
Know the test format: Understanding the format reduces anxiety and improves performance.
Take a practice test: Many test centres offer practice sessions.

For general English language guidance, see our test booking guide.