You must already know about IELTS, the International English Language Testing System. The test is generally taken as proof of the candidate’s English proficiency to future universities and employers.
Students have to take IELTS Academic and professionals have to take IELTS General Training.
IELTS scores are accepted by most universities and employers in English-speaking countries. However, if you want to go to the UK, it’s a different story. To get a UK visa you have to pass the standards set by the UK government and take UKVI IELTS.
UKVI IELTS is taken specifically to study, work, train vocationally, or move to the UK.
| Most Common Mistake Indian Students Make Taking standard IELTS Academic instead of IELTS for UKVI. Standard IELTS Academic is accepted by UK universities for admissions. But for the UK Student Visa, UKVI requires a SELT (Secure English Language Test). Standard IELTS is not a SELT. IELTS for UKVI is. Take IELTS for UKVI Academic from the start if you plan to study in the UK. Same content, same fee, covers both your university admission and your visa in one test. |
What Is UKVI IELTS?
UKVI stands for UK Visas and Immigration. The UKVI IELTS is approved by the UK Visas and Immigration department.
Do I Need to Take the UKVI IELTS?
Yes, if you want to go to the UK to study, work, or move.
If you have already taken the General or Academic IELTS to secure a job or get admission into your dream university, in rare cases you might not have to take UKVI IELTS again. Just make sure that your scores qualify for UK visa purposes and not just for your university’s eligibility criteria.
In most cases students who have already taken IELTS or TOEFL to prove their English proficiency to universities will still have to take UKVI IELTS.
In some cases, students from non-English speaking countries are exempted from taking IELTS to secure admission in a UK university for a variety of reasons. If you get accepted, you will still need to take the UKVI IELTS for visa purposes.
There are three types of UKVI exams. Ask your universities which type of UKVI IELTS test is required. Based on that you will have to get a certain UKVI IELTS band score you need to get.
Haven’t picked a university yet?
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Also Read: Study in UK Without IELTS: Alternatives and Accepted Universities
Types of UKVI Exams
There are three types of UKVI IELTS exams. You must already be familiar with the Academic and General tests.
The Life Skills exam is a version of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) that has received UK Government approval as IELTS Life Skills.
Within this test there are three different types: A1, A2, B1. Your abilities will be evaluated in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), levels A1 and B1.
You can retake the IELTS Life Skills test. But if you pass the test, you are not permitted to reapply for it within two years.
| Type of Exam | Details |
| IELTS Academic UKVI | Best for applicants who plan to study in the UK. Also used for professional registration. Tests your ability to perform in an academic environment. |
| IELTS for UKVI General Training | For those considering work or migration to the UK. Focuses on practical skills in a job setting. Includes all four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. |
| UKVI IELTS Life Skills A1 | For executives, athletes, and family members (spouse and parents) to prove Speaking and Listening skills for specific visas. |
| UKVI IELTS Life Skills A2 | For family extension visas. Can only be taken in the UK. |
| UKVI IELTS Life Skills B1 | For indefinite leave to remain in the UK (settlement). |
| Shortlist UK universities that match your IELTS score with GradRight’s AI. Start Free on GradRight |
Scores Required for Different UK Visas 2026
Note: The UK replaced its old Tier-based visa system with the Points-Based System in December 2020. The correct current visa names are listed below. Source: UKVI official.
| Visa (Current Name) | Min. CEFR Level | IELTS Score Required |
| UK Student Route (formerly Tier 4 Student — degree level) | B2 | IELTS for UKVI: 5.5 overall and in each skill |
| UK Student Route (below degree/pre-sessional) | B1 | IELTS for UKVI: 4.0 overall and in each skill |
| Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 General) — from Jan 2026 | B2 (updated from B1) | |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | B1 | IELTS for UKVI: 4.0 overall and in each skill (unchanged) |
| Minister of Religion Visa | B2 | IELTS for UKVI: 5.5 overall and in each skill |
| UK Innovator Founder Visa | B2 | IELTS for UKVI: 5.5 overall and in each skill |
| Family Route: Spouse/Partner | A1 | IELTS Life Skills A1: Pass |
| Family Route Extension: Spouse/Partner | A2 | IELTS Life Skills A2: Pass (UK only) |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain / Citizenship | B1 | IELTS Life Skills B1: Pass |
| Skilled Worker Visa Update: January 2026 From January 1, 2026, all new Skilled Worker visa applications require B2 level English, equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in each section. This increased from the previous B1 requirement (IELTS 4.0). Applications submitted before January 1, 2026 were processed under the old requirement. Health and Care Worker visas remain at B1 (IELTS 4.0). Source: UKVI official, January 2026. |
UK Visa Costs and Requirements 2026
| Requirement | 2026 Details | Source |
| UK Student Visa fee | £558 per application (updated April 8, 2026, was £524) | UKVI official |
| NHS surcharge | £776 per year of study, paid upfront | UKVI official |
| Maintenance funds | £13,761 (London) or £10,539 (outside London) for 28 consecutive days | UKVI Nov 2025 |
| BRP card | No longer issued. Digital e-visa linked to UKVI account only. | UKVI 2024 |
| Graduate Route | 2 years post-study work (Master’s Sep 2026 entrants: reduces to 18 months from Jan 2027) | UKVI 2025 |
Graduate Route note: If you are starting a one-year Master’s program in September 2026, your Graduate Route will be 18 months (not 2 years) from January 2027. Students starting in September 2025 or earlier are not affected.
Also Read: IELTS Exam Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Passport Rule and Who Can Apply
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Difference between IELTS and UKVI IELTS
The content, format, level of difficulty and scoring are the same for IELTS and UKVI IELTS.
| Parameter | IELTS | IELTS UKVI |
| Test Report | Regular | Slightly different. Mentions the name of the approved UKVI test center. |
| Mode | Computer-based | Computer-based with extra security protocols to ensure your authenticity. |
| Fee (2026) | ||
| Eligibility | International candidates applying to English-speaking countries. | International candidates who wish to study, work, or migrate to the UK. |
| Band Score | 6.5 or above (typical university requirement) | Depends on visa type: 4.0 to 7.0 (see table above) |
IELTS: Complete Resource Guide (GradRight)
