IELTS UKVI EXPLAINED

IELTS UKVI EXPLAINED

(Information grabbed from the British Council, a proud co-owner of IELTS.)

I had a hard time understanding the differences among the so many types of IELTS, especially where visa and immigration was concerned. Personally, I only had an idea of the IELTS Academic test where you have to get a band score of 7 in all areas of the test to include reading, writing, listening and speaking.

I had to equip myself with real knowledge about which type of IELTS was I supposed to take for my spouse visa application. I got so many conflicting information from different sources. As I did not want to make a huge mistake where spouse visa was concerned, I called directly British Council Manila Office. After then was I able to understand which type of IELTS was correct for a certain type of visa.

I also want to help those who are on the same page as I was before hence this blog. I hope this will give you enough knowledge to help you with your UK visa journey. All the best!
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‘IELTS for UKVI’ is a UK government approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). This means that IELTS can be used to prove your English language abilities in support of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.

A. IELTS (Academic or General Training)

If you’re applying for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas to the UK, this is the test for you.

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training for UKVI is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specified by the UK Home Office.

1) 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.

2) 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.

B. IELTS Life Skills

If you’re applying for a ‘family of a settled person’ visa, extension of a ‘family of a settled person’ visa or for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship, IELTS Life Skills is the test for you.

IELTS Life Skills is a new test, approved by UKVI as a Secure English Language Test (SELT).

It’s for people who need to show they have speaking and listening skills at Level A1, A2 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

1) 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.

2) 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.

*Please note, IELTS Life Skills A2 is only available in the UK.

3) 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.

How is IELTS Life Skills assessed?

A certificated IELTS Examiner will assess your performance throughout the Listening and Speaking test based on the following criteria:

1) obtaining information
2) conveying information
3) speaking to communicate
4) engaging in discussion

How often can I re-take IELTS or IELTS Life Skills?

There are no restrictions on retaking IELTS. You can register for a test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so. Candidates who have previously taken the IELTS Life Skills test and have passed are not allowed to re-take the test at the same level within two years, e.g. a candidate who has taken an IELTS Life Skills A1 test and has passed cannot take another Life Skills A1 test within two years. Similarly, a candidate who has taken an IELTS Life Skills B1 test and has passed cannot take another Life Skills B1 test within two years.

P.S.

I have attached a list of IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration for your additional information.