Are you considering a future in the UK for work, study, or relocation? If so, did you know that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will likely require you to demonstrate your English proficiency through an exam? If you don’t know about this, don’t worry; this blog is for you.
For immigration or higher education purposes, more than 3000 universities worldwide recognise the IELTS English language competency test. These universities are located in nations including the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. There are two versions of the exam, IELTS General and IELTS Academic. You can register for the IELTS by choosing a good test day and centre. The exam costs INR 17,000 for both the online and paper version of the IELTS.
However, IELTS UKVI is a well-liked choice. Let’s understand what distinguishes it from the standard IELTS test. In this blog, you will learn everything about IELTS and IELTS UKVI: band score requirements across UK education and employment pathways, costs, the exam format and structure, test dates, registration process, and more.
The term IELTS UKVI represents the "International English Language Testing System for UK Visas and Immigration." This is an IELTS test version authorised by the UK government for use in immigration and visa processes.
All UK universities accept academic scores from the IELTS for Indian students. However, to enter the UK, one must take the IELTS UKVI. Applicants are advised to enquire about the kind of IELTS UKVI exam required by the universities they wish to attend.
The UKVI criteria for IELTS exams and the necessary band score for the exam will vary depending on the university you are attending. The UKVI IELTS fee is also payable based on this selection.
Students wishing to take the IELTS UKVI exam to be considered for higher education in the UK have access to more than 1,000 test sites worldwide. Above all, UK institutions help students by providing them with information about the IELTS UKVI test dates in India, test patterns, etcetera.
The fact is that obtaining PR in the UK is the best thing about IELTS for the UKVI exam. Additionally, having your IELTS results on your resume gives you an edge while applying for jobs while you're still in university.
In order to pass the UKVI exam as an Indian student, you have to prove your proficiency in speaking, reading, listening and writing English using the IELTS. While this is only one part of the application process, some prerequisites must be fulfilled in order to study in the UK.
The structure and content of the IELTS UKVI exam are comparable to those of the standard IELTS exam, but extra security measures are in place to confirm test-takers' identities and guarantee the accuracy of the test results.
In addition, the IELTS UKVI test has been approved by the UK Home Office for use in immigration, employment, and study. Let's examine this table to gain further understanding.
Parameter | IELTS Exam Type | UKVI IELTS |
---|---|---|
Test Report |
Regular |
Slightly modified, mentioning the name of the approved UKVI test centre |
Mode |
Computer-based with more protocols |
|
Fees |
INR 17,000 |
IELTS UKVI- INR 17,250 Life Skill- INR 16,050 |
Eligibility |
International Candidates |
International candidates who wish to pursue study, job, or migrate to the UK. |
Band Score |
6.5 or above |
UKVI IELTS band score should be 4.0 or above in Speaking and Listening |
NOTE: For more details about the UKVI IELTS vs IELTS, you can visit our official website, prepareieltsexam.com or speak with our experts.
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There are three variants of the IELTS for UKVI- Academic, General Training, and Life Skills. Your professional CV will additionally reflect the IELTS UKVI exam type you have chosen.
The academic versions of the IELTS UKVI are perfect for applicants who are studying in an English-speaking nation. However, you may also seek to take the IELTS academic course to register as a professional. The main goal of the IELTS UKVI academic test is to determine a candidate's suitability for further study at UK universities.
Candidates interested in pursuing higher education or considering migrating might consider taking the IELTS test for the UKVI General Training. The primary goal of the UKVI General Training of the IELTS is to highlight essential survival skills in various work settings.
The IELTS General Training test design includes speaking, writing, listening and reading tests, like the IELTS UKVI Academic. Additionally, it resembles the standard IELTS exam. The UK Home Office has registered exam centres, and candidates need to choose from those.
IELTS Life Skills is a new version of the Secure English Language Test (SELT) authorised by the UK government. Applicants who want to show that they can hear and speak English well enough to get the required visa can take this exam. Your skills will be assessed using the (CEFR) Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), life skill levels A1 and B1.
Fortunately, the IELTS Life Skills exam can be taken more than once. However,even if you pass the test, you are not permitted to reapply for the same position within two years.
Specifics | Elements |
---|---|
IELTS Life Skills A1 |
This test is for candidates who want to improve their English speaking and listening skills. Executives of the overseas business, sportspersons, family members (spouse and parents) |
IELTS Life Skills A2 |
This is personally a UK-based examination. This test is for candidates aiming to provide English speaking and listening skills for family extension visas. |
IELTS Life Skills B1 |
This test is for candidates interested in proving their English speaking and listening skills for indefinite leave to remain purposes. |
Applicants have two options for registering for the IELTS- online or offline at the closest IDP location. Examinees can select a readily accessible test centre from 80 IELTS locations situated throughout India.
Anyone can take the IELTS exam, regardless of gender, age, colour, religion, or nationality. You cannot take the IELTS exam if you are younger than sixteen. The following outlines the procedures for registering for the IELTS exam in both online and offline modes:
It's now simple and fast to register for the IELTS. There are three stages for booking an IELTS test. To register for the IELTS, take the necessary steps, and candidates must visit the official website as well:
Make a profile
Choose a period that works for you based on availability at the closest IELTS testing locations.
Finish the registration process by making an online payment.
Candidates must download the IELTS exam registration form from the official website. They must then manually choose the test date and complete the remaining IELTS requirements on the form.
The applicant has to pay via demand draft (made payable to "IDP EDUCATION INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, Payable at New Delhi") or cash (pay with cash by visiting the nearest ICICI bank with a payment slip). The candidate needs to provide a proper address for the Blue Dart courier on the registration form.
NOTE: For more details about the UKVI IELTS vs IELTS, you can visit our official website, prepareieltsexam.com or speak with our experts.
The IELTS UKVI fee for 2024 is INR 17,250 & for Life Skills, INR 16,050.
Indian students have access to four separate IELTS exam dates every month. IELTS is offered 48 times a year, and reservations are made based on availability. The Academic component of the IELTS exam can be taken on 48 different days, while the General Training section can be taken on 24 different dates.
Candidates should book an IELTS test at least 3 to 4 months before the application deadline. Three separate portals are available for candidates to reserve IELTS exam dates- the British Council, IDP, or IELTS (official website). See the table below for the IELTS test dates in 2024:
IELTS Test Date August 2024 | IELTS Test Type |
---|---|
Saturday, 3 August 2024 |
Academic only |
Thursday, 8 August 2024 |
Academic and General Training |
Saturday, 8 August 2024 |
Academic only |
Saturday, 24 August 2024 |
Academic and General Training |
IELTS Test Date September 2024 | IELTS Test Type |
---|---|
Saturday, 7 September 2024 |
Academic only |
Saturday, 14 September 2024 |
Academic and General Training |
Thursday, 19 September 2024 |
Academic only |
Saturday, 28 September 2024 |
Academic and General Training |
IELTS Test Date October 2024 | IELTS Test Type |
---|---|
Saturday, 5 October 2024 |
Academic and General Training |
Thursday, 10 October 2024 |
Academic only |
Saturday, 19 October 2024 |
Academic only |
Saturday, 26 October 2024 |
Academic and General Training |
IELTS Test Date November 2024 | IELTS Test Type |
---|---|
Saturday, 2 November 2024 |
Academic only |
Thursday, 7 November 2024 |
Academic only |
Saturday, 16 November 2024 |
Academic and General Training |
Saturday, 23 November 2024 |
Academic only |
Saturday, 30 November 2024 |
Academic and General Training |
IELTS Test Date December 2024 | IELTS Test Type |
---|---|
Thursday, 5 December 2024 |
Academic only |
Thursday, 7 December 2024 |
Academic and General Training |
Saturday, 14 December 2024 |
Academic and General Training |
Saturday, 21 December 2024 |
Academic only |
NOTE: For more details about the UKVI IELTS vs IELTS, you can visit our official website, prepareieltsexam.com or speak with our experts.
The UKVI IELTS exam pattern assesses a candidate's level of English language competency for visa and immigration purposes. The four sections of the UKVI IELTS are similar to the IELTS exam- Speaking, Writing, Listening and Reading. While the Reading, Writing, and Listening components of the test must be completed on the same day, the Speaking section of the IELTS can be scheduled up to one week ahead of or after other tests.
UKVI IELTS Exam Pattern | No. of Question/Task/Section | Duration |
---|---|---|
Listening |
40 Questions |
30 minutes |
Academic Reading |
40 Questions |
60 minutes |
General Training Reading |
40 Questions |
60 minutes |
Speaking (Interview) |
3 Sections |
11-14 minutes |
General Training Writing |
Task - at least 150 words Task - at least 250 words |
60 minutes |
Academic Writing |
Task - at least 150 words Task - at least 250 words |
60 minutes |
Applicants frequently do not obtain the appropriate practice paper and study materials. Most resources and practice materials for IELTS preparation are accessible online. Furthermore, candidates have the option to enrol in online or classroom-based IELTS preparation classes.
Test-takers can download online applications for IELTS preparation for convenient access to study materials. IELTS mock examinations are available for practice at reasonable costs from numerous organisations, such as IELTS IDP and IELTS Liz. Many Indian students take the IELTS exam each year to explore jobs or further education. Here are some tips for IELTS preparation:
Learn new words to understand vocabulary
Read English books, magazines, newspapers, and handbooks for a strong grasp of the language
Practice writing following a strict schedule
Under strict time scheduling, the test taker can improve their writing speed
Make an accurate usage of grammar by practising IELTS at home
For fluency in the language, start talking in front of the mirror
Focus on pronunciation for a proper understanding of words
Try to balance between listening and scanning questions
Try to keep yourself calm on test day and relax
Do not rush and focus on answers
In conclusion, anyone hoping to study, work, or immigrate to the UK has to understand the small distinctions between IELTS and IELTS UKVI. The particular requirements, test formats, and band scores are crucial when evaluating eligibility. Understanding the differences between Academic, General Training, and Life Skills is crucial. Beyond just helping candidates with their language skills, IELTS for UKVI opens doors to various opportunities.
Above, we have covered all the details of IELTS vs UKVI IELTS: Types, Registration Process and Exam Pattern. We hope this piece of information is helpful to you. However, you can contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for more guidance and IELTS preparation. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388.
IELTS UKVI is valid for 24 months. You are only eligible to retake the IELTS UKVI exam two years after passing the first one.
The questions, format, level of difficulty, and time all remain the same for both exams. As such, none are more or less challenging than the others.
There is indeed a fee to inquire about IELTS test results. In the event that your score improves on any exam section, the money will be reimbursed.
Indeed, over 9,000 organisations globally, including universities, institutions, governments, and employers, accept results from the IELTS UKVI test. You can, therefore, share your results with other nations even if you take the IELTS UKVI exam in the UK.
After 13 calendar days from the exam, you can access your results if you take the IELTS paper exam. After three to five calendar days following the test date, you can access your results if you take the computerised version of the IELTS.
Scores for the Academic and General IELTS exams range from 0 to 9. Each of the four modules is given a band score ranging from 0 to 9, which is averaged to provide a final band score. These two exams have no pass/fail grades. However, the IELTS Life Skills exam has a pass/fail option. Instead of giving a band score, the IELTS exam assesses candidates' English language proficiency and assigns a pass or fail result.
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