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IELTS for UKVI: Your Pathway to Studying, Working, and Living in the UK
If you're planning to study, work, or migrate to the UK, you may need to take IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This test is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK Home Office, ensuring that your English proficiency meets the requirements for your UK visa application.
The IELTS for UKVI test format, difficulty level, and scoring are the same as the standard IELTS test, but it is conducted at UKVI-approved test centers that meet specific security and administration requirements. Your Test Report Form (TRF) will indicate that the test was taken at an approved center, making it valid for UK visa applications.
At IDP IELTS Thailand, we offer official IELTS for UKVI tests across multiple locations, providing test takers with flexible dates, expert support, and free preparation resources to help them achieve their required scores.
Who Needs IELTS for UKVI?
You will need IELTS for UKVI if you are applying for:
A student visa to study at a UK university.
A work visa to secure a job in the UK.
A family visa to join a relative in the UK.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or UK citizenship.
With IDP IELTS Thailand, you can book your test with confidence, knowing you're taking an officially recognized exam that meets UK visa requirements.
Types of IELTS for UKVI Tests & Fees
The IELTS for UKVI test comes in different formats, depending on your visa type and purpose for moving to the UK. Below are the available options:
1. IELTS Academic for UKVI
This test is required if you’re applying to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level in the UK. It is also accepted for professional registration in certain fields, such as healthcare.
Test Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking (same as standard IELTS Academic)
Test Fee: THB 8,300
2. IELTS General Training for UKVI
If you’re planning to work, train, or migrate to the UK, this test is required for visa applications that do not involve higher education.
Test Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking (same as standard IELTS General Training)
Test Fee: THB 8,300
3. IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2 & B1)
This test is designed for individuals who need to prove their Speaking and Listening skills for specific UK visa applications, such as family visas, visa extensions, indefinite leave to remain, or UK citizenship.
Test Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking (same as standard IELTS Academic)
Test Fee: THB 6,500
Which IELTS for UKVI Test Should You Take?
Make sure to check your UK visa requirements before booking your test to select the right one.
Test Format for IELTS for UKVI
The IELTS for UKVI test follows the same structure as the standard IELTS but is conducted at UKVI-approved test centers to meet UK Home Office requirements. The test assesses four key language skills
Test Section | Duration | What’s Included? |
|---|---|---|
Listening | ~30 minutes | Four recorded conversations & monologues, with increasing difficulty. |
Reading | 60 minutes | Three passages with various question types. Academic or General Training format, depending on the test type. |
Writing | 60 minutes | Two writing tasks: data interpretation and essay (Academic) or letter writing and essay (General Training). |
Speaking | 11–14 minutes | Face-to-face interview with an examiner, including an introduction, topic discussion, and conversation. |
For a detailed breakdown of the test format, visit our IELTS Test Format Explained page.
IELTS for UKVI Test Locations in Thailand
IDP IELTS Thailand offers IELTS for UKVI tests at multiple approved test centres across Thailand. Whether you prefer IELTS on Computer or IELTS on Paper, you can choose a location that fits your schedule.
IELTS on Computer
Take the IELTS for UKVI test on a computer and get results within 1–5 days at the following test centres:
IDP IELTS Silom (Bangkok) – Academic and General Training available every day.
IDP IELTS Chiang Mai – I-Genius Language Institute Chiang Mai – Available twice a month on Sundays.
IDP IELTS Phuket – Phuket PALS – Available once a month on Sundays.
IELTS on Paper
Bangkok IELTS on Paper Test Venue – Column Hotel Bangkok – Available twice a month on Saturdays.
How to Book Your IELTS for UKVI Test
Booking your IELTS for UKVI test with IDP IELTS Thailand is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to secure your test date at a UKVI-approved test centre.
Step 1: Choose Your Test Type
First, confirm which IELTS for UKVI test you need for your UK visa application:
IELTS Academic for UKVI – Required for university admission.
IELTS General Training for UKVI – For work or migration.
IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, B1) – For family visas, visa extensions, or UK citizenship.
Please check with your organizations, institutions, or agencies to confirm the test type required for your visa application before booking.
Step 2: Select Your Test Format & Location
Choose between:
IELTS on Computer – Faster results (available in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket).
IELTS on Paper – Traditional test format (available in Bangkok).
IELTS Life Skills – Available only at IDP IELTS Silom Test Centre.
Step 3: Register & Make Payment
Complete your online registration via the IDP IELTS website.
Upload a valid passport (required for test registration).
Make secure online payment to confirm your booking.
Test Fees:
IELTS Academic & General Training for UKVI : THB 8,300
IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, B1) : THB 6,900
Step 4: Get Ready for Your Test
Once you’ve booked your test, start preparing with free practice tests, and expert tips to improve your score.
IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration
IELTS for UKVI tests are accepted by United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English if you want to live, work, or study in the UK.
The following tests are used by the UKVI:
IELTS for UKVI
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2
IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1
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.
What score do I need for UKVI visa applications?
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 ).
For visas that require CEFR level A1, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1 test (Listening and Speaking).
For visas that require CEFR level A2, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A2 test (Listening and Speaking).
For visas that require CEFR level B1, you need to achieve a Pass in your IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1 test (Listening and Speaking).
For visas that require CEFR level B1, you need to get at least an IELTS score of 4.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
For visas that require CEFR level B2 you need to get at least an IELTS score of 5.5 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
For visas that require CEFR level C1 you need to get at least an IELTS score of 7.0 in all four components of your IELTS for UKVI test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
The UK government requires you to achieve the scores above in every component of your test. Understand your IELTS score and see how IELTS helps you to prepare.