IELTS for UKVI Score Guide
IELTS test and score required for UK visa applications
Please note that if you need an IELTS test for UK visa applications, you can only take them at a UKVI approved IELTS test centre.
IDP IELTS is a UKVI approved test centre and we offer all the approved IELTS tests for UK visa applications. To register for a test, please visit: Test Dates page.
Before you book your test, we strongly recommend that you check with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on the test that you will be required to submit for your application. Please visit Guidance on applying for a UK visa: approved English language tests for more information.
As a guide, you can use the following table:
| Visa description (United Kingdom only) |
CEFR level required | Skills | IELTS test and score required |
| Tier 1 (General) visa | C1 | Reading, Writing Speaking, and Listening | IELTS – 7.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking, and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking, and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking, and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 (General) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking, and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa | A1 | Reading, Writing Speaking, and Listening | IELTS – 4.01 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa | B2 | Reading, Writing Speaking, and Listening | IELTS – 5.5 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 4 (General) student visa – below degree level (Please read the important note on Tier 4 student visa.) |
B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking, and Listening | IELTS – 4.03 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 4 (General) student visa – degree level and above (Please read the important note on Tier 4 student visa.) |
B2 | Reading, Writing Speaking, and Listening | IELTS – 5.53 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Family of a settled person visa | A1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass |
| Indefinite leave to remain (to settle) or citizenship2 | B1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at B1 – Pass |
1 IELTS is accepted by UKVI at band scores 4.0 and above, equivalent to CEFR level B1.
2 UKVI will accept a test on the SELT list or an Ofqual regulated test for this immigration category. The test must cover Speaking and Listening at B1 level.
3 Scores mentioned above for TIER 4 categories are the requirement of UKVI. Universities and colleges may require a higher band score for the course that you are applying for. Please check with them on the band score requirement for your course.
Please note that these changes do not affect the use of IELTS by people from the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland and ‘majority English speaking countries’ as defined by the UK Home Office (https://www.gov.uk/english-language).
Important note for Tier 4 Student Visa
This recent visa change does not apply to Tier 4 student visa. Those who are applying for a Tier 4 student visa to a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) to study a bachelor or postgraduate degree are required to meet the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. This means that you do not need to take the IELTS test under UKVI specified condition, unless your institution has required you to.
Please check with the institution that you are applying to for their admission requirement. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-students
