About IELTS for UKVI
IELTS for UKVI is the version of IELTS approved by the UK Home Office as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). The questions, timing and scoring are the same as the standard IELTS Academic or General Training test. The difference is where and how it is taken: at a UKVI-approved centre, with stricter identity checks and the session recorded.
You need it only when your UK visa route or provider asks for a SELT. For a bachelor's or master's at a UK university, the university usually assesses your English itself and the standard IELTS Academic is enough. Booking UKVI when you don't need it simply costs more.
Quick facts
| IELTS for UKVI | |
|---|---|
| Versions | IELTS for UKVI Academic and IELTS for UKVI General Training |
| Test length | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Skills | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Where | UKVI-approved test centres only, with extra identity checks and recording |
| Results | Usually 1–5 days for computer-delivered tests |
| Fee in India | ₹19,250 (IDP India, 2026) |
| Accepted for | UK visa routes that ask for a SELT |
Who should take it
- Students on courses below degree level in the UK, such as foundation and pre-sessional courses, where the provider asks for a SELT
- Applicants for UK Skilled Worker and other work routes
- Some degree-level applicants at providers that are not universities
Commonly accepted for
- UK Student visa for study below degree level: CEFR B1, at least 4.0 in each section
- UK Skilled Worker: CEFR B2 for most new applicants since 8 January 2026, i.e. at least 5.5 in each section
- Other UK work routes that list a SELT requirement
How it differs from the other tests
- 01
UKVI vs standard IELTS
Same content and scoring; only UKVI results are accepted where a route specifically asks for a SELT.
- 02
UKVI vs IELTS Life Skills
Life Skills tests only Speaking and Listening, at A1, A2 or B1, for family and settlement routes. IELTS for UKVI tests all four skills.
- 03
UKVI vs PTE Academic UKVI
Both are approved SELTs for UK routes that need four skills. Choose based on test style and dates available.
Test format
| Part | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 30 minutes | Same as standard IELTS: 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 minutes | Academic or General Training reading, depending on the version you book |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Academic or General Training tasks, depending on the version |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | Face to face with an examiner, recorded |
Scoring
- Scored exactly like standard IELTS: band 0–9 for each section and overall.
- UK visa routes set a minimum CEFR level in each skill, so your weakest section matters more than your overall band.
- The Test Report Form carries the reference the Home Office uses to check your result.
How to book
- Confirm in writing from your university, provider or the visa guidance that a SELT is required.
- Choose IELTS for UKVI Academic or General Training, as your route specifies.
- Book with IDP India at a UKVI-approved centre, using the passport you will travel on.
- Expect photographs, biometric checks and a recorded session on test day.
- Use the reference on your Test Report Form in your visa application.
IDP India lists IELTS on Computer for UKVI at ₹19,250 (2026). UKVI tests have stricter transfer and refund rules than the standard test: a transfer is allowed once, more than 14 days before the test.
How we prepare you
- Start with a full timed diagnostic test so the plan is built on your actual section bands, not a guess.
- Small batches at our centre, so the trainer can hear every student speak and read every essay.
- Writing and Speaking feedback against the four public band descriptors, with an error log you keep updating.
- Weekly full-length timed mocks in the same format you will sit (computer-delivered Listening and Reading).
- Your trainer and counsellor share one plan, so your test date fits your application and visa deadlines.
- We don't promise a band: your score depends on your preparation and your performance on the day.
Plan your IELTS for UKVI dateWe match your batch to your university or visa deadline and track your progress with timed mock tests.
Preparation tips
- Ask your provider which test they need before booking; many UK universities don't need UKVI for degree courses.
- Check the per-skill minimum for your visa route, not just the overall band.
- Keep your passport details identical across the booking, the test and the visa application.
Batch dates
Choose a start date and timing. A counsellor calls to confirm the batch and fee.
Upcoming batches
- IELTS Academic · At the centre · morning 8:00–10:00 am or evening 6:00–8:00 pm
- IELTS General Training · At the centre · morning 9:00–11:00 am or evening 6:30–8:30 pm
- IELTS for UKVI · At the centre · morning 8:00–10:00 am or evening 5:30–7:30 pm
- PTE Academic · At the centre · morning 10:00 am–12:00 pm or evening 7:00–9:00 pm
- PTE Academic UKVI · At the centre · morning 10:00 am–12:00 pm or evening 6:00–8:00 pm
- PTE Core · At the centre · morning 9:00–11:00 am or evening 7:00–9:00 pm
- Spoken English · At the centre · morning 7:00–8:00 am or evening 6:00–7:00 pm
- Interview Preparation · Live online · morning 9:00–10:00 am or evening 8:00–9:00 pm
IELTS for UKVI: frequently asked questions
Do I need IELTS for UKVI for a UK master's degree?
Usually not. Most UK universities accept the standard IELTS Academic for degree courses. Book UKVI only if your university or visa route asks for a SELT.
What score do I need for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Most new applicants need CEFR B2 since 8 January 2026, which is IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each section.
Is the test harder than normal IELTS?
No. The questions and marking are the same; only the security arrangements differ.
How much does it cost in India?
₹19,250 according to IDP India's 2026 fee page.
Can I use One Skill Retake for UKVI?
UKVI has approved IELTS One Skill Retake as part of its SELT (OSR for UKVI). Check that your route accepts it before booking.