Do you need to prove your English language level for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) application?

IELTS is on the UKVI list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT). If you need an IELTS test result as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), you will need to take your test at a specific test location authorised by UKVI.

Please note: if you are applying for a Tier 4 student visa for a program of study at degree level or above at a Higher Education Institution, you should check the English language requirement of your chosen institution, as most institutions do not require a SELT for this purpose and you can register for IELTS here.

Warning

We have been made aware of fraudulent websites pretending to be the British Council IELTS registration sites. Please be advised that they are not associated with us in any form. We are also not responsible for the content available on these websites.

To ensure your details are safe, please only book your test by clicking on the registration link here on this site or on the TakeIELTS website. 

Before you enter your personal details, please check that you are using our secure online registration system. You can do this by making sure the website address starts with “https://”. In addition fraudulent sites may use incorrect spellings in the website address, so check that “British Council” is spelt correctly. 

If you are not sure, please use this link to book your IELTS test

IELTS Academic for UK Visas and Immigration

If you want to study in the UK below degree level or if you need a SELT test for a direct application to UK Visas and Immigration, then this is the test for you. It involves Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. 

Book now

Check what score you need

Find out what's in the IELTS for UKVI test

IELTS General Training for UK Visas and Immigration

If you want to migrate to the UK or would like to train or study below degree level or if you want to apply directly to UK Visas and Immigration, then you should choose this test. It involves Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Book now

Check what score you need

Find out what's in the IELTS for UKVI test

IELTS Life Skills A1

If you need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of your application to UK Visas and Immigration for Family, Spouse or Partner visa, IELTS Life Skills A1 is the right test for you.

  • The A1 level is within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the equivalent to ESOL Entry 1 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
  • The test involves Speaking and Listening

Book now

Check what score you need

Find out what's in the IELTS Life Skills test

IELTS Life Skills B1

If you’re applying for a citizenship/settlement visa to UK Visas and Immigration, then this is the right test to prove your English speaking and listening skills.

  • The B1 level is within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and is the equivalent to ESOL Entry 3 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
  • The test involves Speaking and Listening

Book now

Check what score you need

Find out what's in the IELTS Life Skills test

If this is not what you are looking for, please visit our pages about IELTS for all other purposes.