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IELTS for UK Visasand Immigrationwww.ieltsasia.org

IELTS for UKVIWhich test do I need?

IELTS for UKVI is approved by the UK government as a proof of your English

The following IELTS tests are on the UK Home Office’s list of Secure English

language abilities in support of a visa application, and is also accepted by theLanguage Tests (SELT tests) and have been approved for UK Visas andCanadian, Australian and New Zealand governments.

Immigration purposes:

If you are planning to study at non-higher education institutions, on pre-sessionalor foundation courses (below degree level), IELTS for UKVI is required.

IELTS Academic**
This test is for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduatelevels, and for those seeking professional registration in the UK.

IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training)If you’re applying for Tier 1 and Tier 2 visas to the UK, this is the test for you.

IELTS General training

The actual test taken is the same for both IELTS and IELTS for UKVI, with theThis test is for test takers wishing to migrate to the UK and for those wishing tosame content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on. The onlytrain or study below degree level.

difference between the two is that IELTS for UKVI is a Secure English Language
Test (SELT), administered in a test venue with video recording and CCTV
facilities. Test Report Forms will be slightly different, to show that you have taken
the test at an IELTS UK visa session.

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 asettled person’ visas.

IELTS Life Skills
If you’re applying for a ‘family of a settled person’ visa, extension of a ‘family of aIELTS Life Skills A2*

settled person’ visa or for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship, IELTS Life

This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening

Skills is the test for you.

skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for extension toIELTS Life Skills is approved by UKVI as a Secure English Language Test

Family, Spouse or Partner visa.

(SELT).
This test is for people who need to show they have speaking and listening skills

IELTS Life Skills B1at Level A1, A2 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference forThis test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills

Languages.

as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave toremain or citizenship.

*Please note, IELTS Life Skills A2 is only available in the UK.
**IELTS for UKVI (Academic) is also available delivered on computer in certain locations.

Test FormatIELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training)

IELTS Life Skills

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of all IELTS tests are completed on theIELTS Life Skills is a speaking and listening test. You will take the testsame day. The order in which these tests are taken may vary. There are no breaks

face-to-face with an examiner, along with one other candidate. You will

between these three tests. The Speaking component, however, can be completed up toparticipate in a structured conversation listening and responding to a selection

a week before or after the other tests.

of tasks.

AcademicListening(30 minutes*)

Reading(60 minutes)

There are four sections, which include both monologues and conversations. A variety of voices
and accents are used and each section is played only once.
(*30 minutes, plus 10 minutes extra to transfer your answer to the answer sheet)

There are three long reading passages withtasks.
Texts range from descriptive and factual to thediscursive and analytical and may include
non-verbal material such as diagrams, graphs
or illustrations.
Texts are authentic and taken from books,
journals, newspapers, magazines and othersources.

Writing(60 minutes)

Speaking(11–14 minutes)

General Training

There are three reading passages with tasks.
• Section 1 contains two or three short factualtexts.
• Section 2 contains two short, work-related,factual texts.
• Section 3 contains one longer text on a
topic of general interest.
Texts are authentic and are taken fromcompany handbooks, official documents,books, newspapers and other sources.

There are two tasks.

There are two tasks.

• In Task 1, you are presented with a table,graph, chart or diagram and are asked todescribe, summarise or explain theinformation in no less than 150 words.

• In Task 1, you are presented with a situation
and are asked to write a letter of at least 150
words to request information or explain thesituation.

• In Task 2, you are asked to write anessay of no less than 250 words inresponse to a point of view, argument orproblem.

• In Task 2, you are asked to write an essayof no less than 250 words in response to apoint of view, argument or problem.

A face-to-face interview comprised of three sections: short questions, speaking at length abouta familiar topic and a structured discussion.

The tasks in IELTS Life Skills are designed to reflect the everyday experienceof communicating in an English-speaking country. You will be expected to takepart in short discussions on everyday subjects.

A1

Speaking and Listening
16–18 minutes

Listen and respond to spoken language, including simple
narratives, statements, questions and single-step instructions.
Communicate basic information, feelings and opinions onfamiliar topics.
Talk with another person in a familiar situation about familiar
topics.

A2

Speaking and Listening
20 minutes

Listen and respond to spoken language, includingstraightforward information, short narratives, explanations andinstructions.
Communicate information, feelings and opinions on familiar
topics.
Talk with one or more people in a familiar situation to establish
a shared understanding about familiar topics.

B1

Speaking and Listening
22 minutes

Listen and respond to spoken language, includingstraightforward information and narratives, and follow
straightforward explanations and instructions.
Communicate information, feelings and opinions on familiar
topics using appropriate formality.
Talk with one or more people in a familiar situation, making
relevant points and responding to what other says to reach ashared understanding about familiar topics.

Prepare foryour futurewith IELTS

Why should you take IELTS with
the British Council?
Pre-test support• Clear and comprehensive information on pre-test procedures and test-day
arrangements.
• A range of comprehensive resources including free practice tests, online
courses, up-to-date interactive learning materials, videos and a mobile app tohelp you familiarise yourself with IELTS and to prepare for your test.

In-test arrangements• A quality sound system enables you to focus on what’s important during thetest.
• Professional yet friendly speaking test examiners make you feel at ease so
you can perform to the best of your ability.

Post-test services• Timely delivery of your printed Test Report Forms.
• A user-friendly online enquiry service for your test result.

Learn more about the test format and find out more information about yourdestination: www.ieltsasia.org