To find out whether you need to take IELTS for UKVI, and what level you need to achieve, please use the visa checking service supplied by the UK Home Office.
Visa description | Skills | IELTS UKVI test and score required |
---|---|---|
Tier 1 (General) visa | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
7.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 2 (General) visa | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
5.5 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 4 (General) student visa - below degree level *only when required |
Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Tier 4 (General) student visa - degree level and above *only when required |
Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening |
5.5 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Family, Spouse or Partner visa |
Speaking and Listening |
Life Skills at A1-Pass |
Citizenship / Settlement visa |
Speaking and Listening |
Life Skills at B1-Pass |
If you are applying for a Tier 4 Student Visa at a Higher Education Institution (HEI) to enter directly onto a bachelor or postgraduate degree at a university that is a Tier 4 Sponsor, you must meet the English language level set by the institution.