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.