IELTS for UKVI Score Guide

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

 

Testimonials

Thanks to IDP IELTS Masterclass for the interesting webinar, it was very informative, well organised and practical.
Hussein, Student
Instructions before the IELTS written and speaking test were very clear and the people were nice and helpful. I found the written test pretty good. It was not too difficult, nor too simple. The results came quickly and I was accepted in the program and I am currently in the middle of my first year exams.
Nicholas Cletz, Company CEO
This was a fantastic presentation! It was very clear, practical and moved at a good pace. I would highly recommend these webinars
Shauna, Student
IDP IELTS Masterclass really helpful, as preparation for the IELTS exam and give us support in many ways to improve our English.
Leny, Company CEO
The webinar which was held on the 1st of November was satisfactory, informative and valuable. All the questions were answered and explained in a proper way. Thank you!
Olena, Company CEO
I like that they are open to give us some information and kind of training course without any cost so we can get ready for this important test.
Danna, Student
IELTS has been growing steadily for 20 years because it works. It’s good to know that IELTS has been the choice of millions of people over the years. IELTS stood out immediately because it tests all four skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening, giving a well-rounded assessment of my English
Arnik Surasarang, Teacher
80+ Test Locations Across Latin America
World's most popular English-language test for work, study, and migration. IELTS is recognised by over 10,000 organizations in over 140 countries worldwide. Speaking test administered face-to-face in a private, quiet room with a certified IELTS examiner
Find a Location