UKVI IELTS Test

Exam Overview

UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK government, which means that IELTS can prove your English language abilities when applying for a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.

For many of the UK visas, you must submit an English language qualification which is included on the UK Home Office’s list of Secure English Language Tests (SELT tests).

The following IELTS tests are on this list and have been approved for UK Visas and Immigration purposes:

  • General IELTS: The test is the same as IELTS, the same content,format, level of difficulty, scoring,…
  • Academic IELTS: The test is the same as IELTS, the same content,format, level of difficulty, scoring,…
  • The difference are:
    • The customer journey on the day of the IELTS test.
    • The test Report Forms will be slightly different, to show that you have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session.
    • There will be more security
    • The test will be more expensive as part of the security.
    • You can only do this test in certain IELTS centres as part of the extra security.
    • The Academic exam can also be take on a computer in some locations
  • IELTS Life skills A1: To migrate to the UK and apply for family of a settled person visas.
  • IELTS Life skills A2: To migrate to the UK and apply for extension to Family, Spouse or Partner visa.
    • This test can only be take in the UK itself and not anywhere abroad
  • IELTS Life skills B1: To migrate to the UK and apply for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.

What is IELTS Life Skills?

It is a Speaking and Listening test for 3 levels

  • CEFR Level A1
  • CEFR Level A2 (only available in the UK itself)
  • CEFR Level B1

Why take the IELTS Life Skills?

It is designed to meet the requirements for certain visa categories of UK Visas, since the test is done under conditions specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Want to know more, watch the video of the UK Visa change

  • IELTS Life skills A1: To migrate to the UK and apply for family of a settled person visas.
  • IELTS Life skills A2: To migrate to the UK and apply for extension to Family, Spouse or Partner visa.
  • IELTS Life skills B1: To migrate to the UK and apply for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.

When can I take the IELTS Life Skills test?

Test are available on a large amount of dates. Want to know more have a look at the official online registration system

Where can I take the IELTS Life Skills test?

The UK Government has selected a number of permanent global locations.There are also some additional locations, referred to as “pop-up” locations, selected by the UK Government, made available on a quarterly basis where there is demand.

How much does the IELTS Life Skills test cost?

It depends on the country where you are taking the test. You can have a look at the fees on the online registration system.

What is the content of the IELTS Life Skills test?

Unlike the General or Academic IELTS there is no writing or reading component. For the Speaking and listening part you also have a partner and you do the exam together. So, you take the test with another test taker and one Examiner. Only your own performance on both speaking and listening is assessed during the test.

Why only Speaking and Listening?

The test is designed to meet specific UK immigration requirements, for which the 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 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

How can I prepare for the IELTS Life Skills test?

Have a look at the free sample papers:

Or have a look at some of the videos of different candidates doing the exam

How soon will I get my results?

Unlike the IELTS, which takes 14 days, The IELTS Life Skill Test results are normally available 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.

IELTS UKVI Test overview

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/experiences
  • family and friends
  • buying goods
  • work
  • health
  • leisure
  • education/training
  • transport
  • housing
  • weather.

Need more information on the IELTS Life Skill test have a look at

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4 Responses

  1. Hi, for a Spouse Visa extension, can take life skills level B1 instead of A2?

    I assume that this will cover visa extension and applying for indefinite stay?

    Thanks

    1. MA Baghdadi,

      Thanks, I am very happy you like it. If there is anything I can help you with please let me know.

      Good luck with your test

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