If you are looking to apply for a UK visa, you may be required by the UK Home Office to prove your knowledge of the English language by way of a government-approved test, known as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
The following guide looks at the International English Language Testing System (IELTS for UKVI), among other test providers, in the context of UK immigration visa applications, with information on who will be required to take an approved test and how to book a test.
Approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) Providers
The approved test can only be taken through one of the following organisations:
- IELTS SELT Consortium (UK or overseas)
- LanguageCert (UK or overseas)
- Trinity College London (UK only)
- Pearson (UK and overseas)
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd (overseas only)
Approved IELTS SELT Consortium Tests
- IELTS for UKVI
- IELTS Life Skills
Approved LanguageCert Tests
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT (Speaking and Listening)
Approved Trinity College London Tests
- Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
- Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)
Approved Pearson Tests
- Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
- Pearson PTE Home
Approved PSI Services (UK) Ltd Tests
- Skills for English UKVI (4 component)
- Skills for English UKVI (2 component)
What is IELTS for UKVI?
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) provides a list of Secure English Language Tests (SELTs), setting out the English language qualifications required for each visa category, including IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills.
IELTS is accepted as evidence of language proficiency for study, work and migration in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK, as well as for study and work in the USA, although each country sets its own IELTS requirements
For UK visa purposes, ‘IELTS for UKVI’ and ‘IELTS Life Skills’ are designed to meet certain requirements that are specific to UK Visas and Immigration,
What are the different types of IELTS tests?
The IELTS test you take, together with the score you need, will depend on your UK visa requirements and/or the requirements of the institution where you plan to study or work. In circumstances where you are taking the IELTS test to support a UK visa application, you will need to take either the ‘IELTS for UKVI’ test or the ‘IELTS Life Skills’ test.
Under IELTS for UKVI, there are two training modules:
- Academic or General Training, either of which is accepted as proof of English proficiency for those wishing to live, work and study in the UK.
The different IELTS UKIVI tests can be explained as follows:
IELTS Life Skills • IELTS Life Skills – there are three different levels here, the A1, A2 and B1.
Who Needs IELTS for UKVI?
If you are planning to move to UK under certain Visa category, then you will need to take IELTS Life Skills. This is a test of Speaking and Listening, available at CEFR Level A1 and CEFR Level B1 designed under conditions specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
IELTS for UKVI is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes, as shown in table below.
What Does the IELTS UKVI Test Involve?
The IELTS UKVI tests are designed to assess UK visa applicants on their English language competencies required to obtain a particular category of visa.
The IELTS for UKVI (Academic) and (General Training) tests comprise of four parts:
- Reading – 60 minutes
- Writing – 60 minutes
- Listening – 30 minutes
- Speaking – 11 to 14 minutes
The reading, writing and listening tests are done in one sitting, whilst the speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests. This is the same as IELTS test.
The IELTS Life Skills test comprises only of speaking and listening. Both aspects are completed in one short session, face-to-face with an examiner and with one other test taker.
The IELTS Life Skills at CEFR:
- A1 – 16 to 18 minutes
- A2 – 20 minutes
- B1 – 22 minutes
In the Life Skills test you will be asked to conduct a structured conversation to demonstrate that you can listen and respond to a number of tasks using conversational English needed for living in the UK. This will be on everyday subjects such as family and friends, work, health, leisure, transport, and weather.
IELTS uses a nine-band scale scoring system to measure levels of proficiency and to report test scores clearly and consistently. You receive individual band scores for each of the relevant skills, with an overall band score on a scale from 1-9.
To prepare for the test you should improve your skills by using the IELTS official practice materials. We at ieltsclasses offer preparatory courses and language classes that assure success in UKVI and IELTS for UKVI – Life Skills.
How to Book Your IELTS Test
You will need to book your IELTS UKVI test using the relevant online booking system, either through British Council or IDP. IELTS has a set fee for its test. At the time of writing this blog, the rates are
UK Fees:
- IELTS for UKVI – £155 to £200
- IELTS Life Skills(A1, A2 & B1) – £155
Note: ONLY IDP offers these tests in India and their rates are:
- IELTS for UKVI – ₹15,750
- IELTS Life Skills(A1, A2 & B1) – ₹14,600
On the day of your test, you will need to provide evidence of your identity at the test centre before you will be allowed to take the test.
An original document with a photograph needs to be presented as proof of your identity. A valid passport or travel document, or valid biometric residence permit is acceptable as proof of your identity.
How is IELTS Life Skills assessed?
As like any IELTS exam, a certificated IELTS Examiner assess your Listening and Speaking performance, based on 4 criteria:
- Obtaining information
- Conveying information
- Speaking to communicate
- Engaging in discussion
Because the test is designed to meet specific UK immigration requirements, applicants only need speaking and listening skills.
How long does the IELTS Life Skills test take?
- CEFR Level A1 takes 16-18 minutes
- CEFR Level B1 takes 22 minutes
Is there any break between the Speaking and Listening part?
No, you are assessed on your Speaking and Listening skills at the same time.
How soon will I get my results?
You will get IELTS Life Skill Test results normally within 7 days.
How often can I re-take the IELTS Life Skills test?
Candidates who took the IELTS Life Skills test and passed are not allowed to re-take the test at the same level within two years. So, this means if you passed the exam and want to do it again you need to wait for 2 years..
You do the test face-to-face with one other candidate and an examiner. You participate in a structured conversation, while listening and responding to a selection of tasks. These tasks reflect the everyday experience of communicating in an English-speaking country.
You will take part in short discussions on everyday subjects:
- Personal details
- Family and friends
- Work
- Health
- Buying goods
- Education/training
- Transport
- Leisure
- Weather
- Housing
How can I prepare for the IELTS Life Skills test?
You can have a look at some of the sample papers British Council or IDP: or get in touch with us to help you prepare for IELTS for UKVI or UKVI Life Skills.
Contact us, if you have any questions here, as we at ielts classes have the expertise in guiding and helping aspirants to sail through the IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills tests.