IELTS for UKVI Academic and General Training and IELTS Life Skills are approved Secure English language tests (SELT) by the UK Home Office for visa applications to the UK.

All British universities and colleges accept IELTS Academic results. This means you may not need to take an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test but can submit an IELTS Academic result. Before booking your test, make sure to check which test you need with the organisations you are applying to.

The IELTS test you take – and the score you need – will depend on both your visa requirements and/or the requirements of the institution where you plan to study or work.

The IELTS tests below are included on the list of SELT tests and have been approved for UK Visas and Immigration purposes:

Test	Purpose
IELTS Academic	This test is for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration in the UK. IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (Academic) is also available on computer in certain locations.
IELTS General Training	This test is for test takers wishing to migrate to the UK and for those wishing to train or study below degree level.
IELTS Life Skills A1	This test is for those who need 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 need to prove their English Speaking and Listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for extension to family, Spouse or Partner visa. (This test is only available in the UK)
IELTS Life Skills B1	This test is for those who need to prove their English Speaking and Listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.

IELTS for UKVI - Academic and General Training

The IELTS UKVI Academic and General Training tests are suitable for you if you’re applying for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas to the United Kingdom.

IELTS for UKVI tests are designed to meet specific administrative requirements outlined by the UK Home Office and are taken at a UKVI approved test centre.

The actual test taken is the same as IELTS tests for all other purposes and includes the same: content, format, scoring and level of difficulty. Test Report Forms will be slightly different in order to show that you have taken the test at an UKVI approved test centre.

Download the UKVI brochure (PDF, 1.02MB) to read more information about IELTS for UKVI.

Please note: You can either book IELTS for UKVI online (using the dropdown below), or you can also download the booking form here and register for the test at the test centre. For test date availability, child protection form and information about the payment options, please contact your test centre.