IELTS for UKVI - the Latest Info!
9th October 2024
If you want to study at a British, Australian or New Zealand (and increasingly the in the USA) higher education institution, it is highly likely that you will require an IELTS qualification. If, however, you are looking to move to the UK permanently, then you will require an IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration.
The British Council, has recently announced important updates to the IELTS Test Report Forms (TRFs) for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). It has been designed with candidates and students in mind. The enhancements now offer precise information to help candidates understand and use their results.
IELTS for UKVI Test Report Forms: What are the Updates?
- Individual CEFR levels: The CEFR equivalent for each band score component (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) will now be displayed individually, rather than only showing the CEFR level for the overall band score.
- Performance summary: A new section summarising the test taker’s performance has been added to assist UKVI with their internal processes.
- Relocated UKVI reference number: For easier navigation, the UKVI unique reference number is now at the bottom of the form.
These updates ensure that test takers have detailed information about their English proficiency across all skills. As a result, it aids better decision-making and enhances the form’s utility for UKVI.
These changes apply only to IELTS TRFs for UKVI tests. There are no changes to the TRFs for IELTS Academic or General Training.
The updated TRF format has been in effect since 29 August 2024. This applies to tests taken after this date. Test takers who request additional or replacement TRFs after 29th August for tests taken before this date will also receive the updated version.
Don’t worry as these changes do not affect the calculation, use, or interpretation of IELTS scores. They just simply provide more comprehensive information.
Who might need IELTS for UKVI?
IELTS for UKVI is suitable for candidates intending to advance their visa applications to the United Kingdom. While British universities and colleges universally accept IELTS Academic results, specific UK organisations may have varying test requirements. For this reason, it is crucial to check your specific test needs with the relevant UK institutions you are applying to.
A SELT Exam
IELTS for UKVI serves as a Secure English Language Test (SELT), officially approved by the UK Home Office for UK visa applications. These tests uphold the language requirements mandated for secure immigration.
Is the IELTS Exam for UKVI the same as the normal IELTS?
The exam format for IELTS for UKVI is similar to the standard IELTS (including both IELTS Academic and General Training). The main difference is that the UKVI version incorporates video recording for additional security and authenticity.
The UKVI will only accept tests taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre, as UKVI requires an additional layer of security when taking language tests.
IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are the same in terms of format, content, scoring and level of difficulty. However, the Test Report Form which contains your results is slightly different to show that you have taken the test at an official IELTS for UKVI location, which is approved by the UK Home Office.
What about the Score?
The score you will need for UKVI applications, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, will depend on the visa you are applying for.
Visit GOV.UK for further guidance on proving your English language abilities .
Please get in touch if you need any help with your IELTS preparation.