Are you looking forward to work or study in the UK? In order to fulfill that purpose, you will have to apply for a UK Visa and exhibit that you have met the obligatory level of English by taking a UK Home Office approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training) or IELTS Life Skills.

‘IELTS for UKVI’ is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). This shows that IELTS can be utilized to establish your English language abilities in support of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.

What is the difference between IELTS and UKVI IELTS?

There is no difference between the test format of IELTS and IELTS for UKVI. The test stands the same in terms of content, format, level of difficulty and scoring for both IELTS (Academic and General Training) and IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General training).

The only difference between the two is that the Test Report Forms, which enclose your results, will be somewhat dissimilar to show that you have taken the test at a certified IELTS UKVI location approved by the UK Home Office. The sole purpose of IELTS UKVI is to meet a set of administrative requirements specified by the UK Home office.

IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training) tests and IELTS Life Skills are taken at a UKVI approved test center. British Council has UKVI approved venues around the world.

Which test format to take?

If you are planning to study in the UK, make sure you confirm with your college, university or institution about the kind of test format you should appear for. You need to consult with your respective authorities before you book the test.

If you are applying for a Tier 4 Student Visa at a higher education institution to enter directly into a graduate or postgraduate program at a university that is a Tier 4 Sponsor, you must be eligible on the basis of the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges acknowledge IELTS Academic results This means you may not need to take an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test but can present the IELTS Academic result.

Types of IELTS UKVI tests;

IELTS Academic: If you are looking forward to studying at the undergraduate or postgraduate level or aiming for professional registration in the UK, IELTS for UKVI (Academic) is the right choice for you.

IELTS general training: IELTS for UKVI(General Training) is apt for all those candidates who wish to migrate, train or study at a lower degree level in the UK.

IELTS Life Skills A1: This test is for all those applicants who are required to prove their English Speaking and Listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for ‘family of a settled person’ visas.

IELTS Life Skills A2: This test is for those who have to demonstrate their English Speaking and Listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for an extension to family, Spouse or Partner visa.
(This test is only offered in the UK)

IELTS Life Skills B1: This test is for those who need to verify their English Speaking and Listening credentials as part of their request to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.

Advantages of IELTS for UKVI.

Anyone who is looking for a PR, permanent residence can easily obtain the citizenship of the UK, if he has given an IELTS for UKVI.
A work visa is another thing to consider, which one can get very easily if he takes the examination.
While entrance to different colleges and universities, it is required for the candidate to appear for the IELTS examination.
Score requirement at undergraduate and postgraduate level

Students who belong to a country where English is not the first language or the language of inclination (a country of non-native English speakers) must obtain a bare minimum English Language competency level.

Some programs entail a higher level of English Language proficiency than the minimum requirement indicated, you can view further particulars on definite program necessities.

Although there is no passing and failing in an IELTS exam, yet you will be graded in terms of band scores ranging from 1-9, for all the four parts of the test i.e. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. If you score a low band score it indicates that you are a non-native speaker, whereas if you score better it shows your expertise in the language. Thus, making it easier for you to get admission in the recognized colleges, universities or institutes of the UK.

Undergraduate Level – 5.5 IELTS

Postgraduate Level – 6.5 IELTS