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.